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Book _JB) 68^5 



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ep 



ELDER EDMUND BOTSFORD. 



BY CHARLES D. MALLARY. 



" Tn the world ye snfci hiHre tribulation : but be of good 
eheer; I have oveicom^jpe ^orttf," Johnxvi,33. 




CHARLESTON: 

VN. RILEY, 110 CHURCH STREET. 

1832. 



r 



^ 



Entered according to the Act of Congress, in the jeat 
1832, by William Riley, in the Clerk's Office of the 
District Court of South-Carolina. 



/j*t 



INTRODUCTION. 



The early Founders of the Baptist 
Churches in the United States were ex- 
traordinary men. Though many of them 
were strangers to the refinements of gen- 
teel life, and the polish of literature and 
science ; though they had not frequented 
the groves of Academies, nor quaffed the 
springs of the "Aonian Mount ;" yet they 
were familiar with 

« Zion's hill, 

« and Siloa's brook, that flowed 

" Fast by the oracle of God. " 

Great grace rested upon them. They 
were < good men, and full of the Holy 
Ghost and of faith.' They were distin- 
tinguished for a boldness and intrepidity 
of character, for a spirit of holy enter- 



iY INTRODUCTION. 

prise, of fearless self-denial, for a measure 
of zeal, disinterestedness, patience and 
perseverance, which rendered them pre- 
eminently useful, and secured for them 
a claim to the gratitude, respect and ad- 
miration of future ages. If in some res- 
pects many of them were rough men, they 
were suited to the roughness and peril of 
the times. If in a sense, * they had their 
raiment of Camel's hair, — and their meat 
was locusts and wild honey ;' they were 
also, ' the voice of men crying in the wil- 
derness, prepare ye the way of the Lord, 
make his paths strait. > Amidst toils, 
privations, and sufferings, of which we, 
who live in these days of ease and quiet- 
ness, can form no adequate conception, 
did they lay a foundation on which is going 
up a superstructure of vast size, and fair 
proportions* They sowed in tears ; but 
the precious seed now shakes like Leba- 
non : it has ripened into a glorious harvest, 
which now waves in golden undulations 
over many a mountain and plain and val- 
ley in the land. 

These men of God are no more. They 
have ascended in chariots of fire to the pre- 



INTRODUCTION, Y 

sence of the Lord God of Elijah. Their 
memories are dear; and we, that, have err 
tered into their labours, should often dwell 
upon their characters, that we may be in- 
spired with a holy desire to become the 
followers of these men of God, ^ wbo^ 
through faith and patience have inherited 
the promises.' But many precious me- 
morials of these npostolic men were doom- 
ed to 6 waste their sweetness on the desert 
air:' they have long since perished in the 
forests where they toiled 5 and many lhat 
still linger upon our sight, are fast fading 
away in evening's twilight, and will soon 
be wrapped in impenetrable shades. Who- 
ever, therefore, may succeed in snatching 
from oblivion any of the still visible 
memorials of their piety, sufferings and 
toils, even if it should be done with a rude 
and unskilful hand, must be considered as 
conferring an important service on the 
church. 

For the purpose of perpetuating the fra- 
grance of a name deservedly dear, the 
following pages have been compiled. Mr- 
Botsford was one of the Fathers of tha 
Baptisl Church in \meri< Though n 



VI INTRODUCTION, 



a person of great genius, nor extensive 
learning ; yet he was a man of such ster- 
ling integrity and worth, so rich in the ex- 
perience of divine things, he passed through 
such an interesting variety of scenes, and 
aided so considerably in nourishing the in- 
fant cause of piety in our land, that the 
compiler feels fully justified in his present 
attempt. He has also been encouraged 
rn the undertaking by the approbation of 
those, whose judgment he prefers to his 
own. 

Those who cannot patiently peruse the 
history of a plain, good man; who are 
pleased with nothing but a masterly deli- 
neation of great taienrs and splendid a- 
ehievemcnts, may find bat little to interest 
them in this unpretending volume. But 
if the learned and critical cannot find en- 
tertainment, it is to be hoped, that these 
pages may tend somewhat to amuse, edify 
and instruct, christians of a plainer stamp 
and humbler temper To the surviving 
relatives and acquaintances of Mr. Bots- 
ford, the compiler flatter? himself that he 
has rendered an acceptable service. This 
'ittle volume may serve to revive their 



INTRODUCTION. Vlt 

fading recollections of one, who was clear 
(o them whilst living, and whose memory 
is still cherished with the most affectionate 
veneration. 

To the young it is hoped that these pa- 
ges will he found entertaining and useful* 
The subject of this biographical sketch de- 
lighted to communicate instruction to the 
young ; and it is proper to state, that one 
important motive which induced the com- 
piler to send forth this work, was, that 
Mr. Botsford, though dead, mi^ht speak 
for the entertainment and instruction of 
that class, for whom, when living, he felt 
much concern. 

The compiler has been much assisted, 
particularly as to facts and dates connec- 
ted with the early part of Mr, Botsford's 
life, by some brief and hasty Memoirs, 
which he wrote of himself in the year 1807. 
Some of their pages have been incorpora- 
ted in this work; more would have been 
presented in the author's own words, but 
for the imperfect state of the manuscript. 
Many particulars have been collected from 
Mr. Botsford's surviving friends, from his 
letters, and several other sources. The 



Vlil INTRODUCTION. 

reader will not find a great variety of in- 
cidents embodied in the narrative of his 
latter days; but for this, an equivalent 
w ; ll be found in copious extracts from his 
interesting correspondence. 

The work would have been better done 
by better hands ; but the compiler flatters 
himself, that its imperfections will not be 
found so numerous, as to prevent entirely 
its usefulness; especially as Mr. BotsiorcJ 
is allowed, as far as practicable, to speak 
for himself. 

The compiler now commends himself, 
the work, and the reader, to the care of 
Almighty God; beseeching him to dis- 
pose of all as shall best accord with his 
righteous will, and best promote his di- 
vine glory. 






CONTENTS, 



Page. 

Introduction, - * - - iii 

CHAPTER h 

Mr. Botsford's birth — Early religious impressions- 
Youthful adventures— Embarks for America, IS 

CHAPTER IT. 

Mr. Botsford arrives in Charleston — His conver- 
sion — Commences learning a trade — Enters on 
his studies preparatory to the ministry, - 27 

CHAPTER 111. 

Mr. Botsford is licensed to preach— -Visits Georgia, 
and labors with acceptance — Anecdotes— Ordina- 
tion- — Anecdote — Church constituted — Marries 
and settles on Brier Creek — Poetry — War rages, 
and he escapes to South -Carolina, - - 38 

CHAPTER IV, 

Mr. Botsford finds a refuse — Baptists patriotic 
He joins the army as Chaplain — Anecdotes — Rn- 



X STENTS. 

to Pedee- 
ford lets offio sea~ch of him — They meet in North 

Caro ioa After a sh:rt residence in Virginia, 

tbev return to Pedee, - . 52 

CHAPTER V. 

Mr. Bots f ord fakes the pastoral charge of the Welsh 
Neck Church — Applies himself to study — Pays 
«ev eaten, and iabors w lb sae- 

cess — Incorporation — Mrs. Botsford die- — A re- 
i second wife— She dies — Re- 
moves to Georgetown, ... - 60 

CHAPTER VI. 

Various afflictions— Eye complaint — Visits ^;w- 

Engiand— Lette.s to Mr. and Mrs. Evans, - 7$ 

CHAPTER VII. 

Letters— Death of his son-in-law— Reviral — Letters 

to Mr. Ingiesb^ — Conversion and death of his son, 94 

CHAPTER VIII. 

Some- accent of his writings, with extracts from the 

same, _----.-- 106 

CHAPTER IX. 
Ex.- Letters, - - - - ISO 

CB X. 

Extracts from his Letter? condoned, - - r 151 

CHAPTER XT. 
Extracts Ba% - * 1"2 



CONTENTS. XI 

CHAPTER XII. 

Extracts from his Letters continued, • 194 

CHAPTER XIII. 

Miscellaneous particulars — His death — Character by 
Dr. Furman, ~ - ' - >• -. . .- - 215 



mSMOZES 



OP 



ELDER, EDMUND BOTSFORD 



CHAPTER I. 



Jflr Botsford'' s birth — Early religious impressions—* 
Youtkjid adventures — Embarks for America. 

Edmund Botsford, the second son of Edmund 
and Mary Botsford, was born on the 1st of No- 
vember. 1745, in the Town of Wooburn, Bedford- 
shire, England. His father was reputably em- 
ployed, for many years, as a Grocer and Ironmon- 
ger, and at one time was considered wealthy ; but 
having expended large sums of money to assist an 
unworthy brother, who had brought himself into 
distress by his imprudence and wickedness, he 
was reduced to poverty. Shortly after this, he 
was removed :rom time : Mrs. Botsford, a pious, 
godly woman, soon followed her husband, and their 
children were consequently left in a >tate of pecu- 
liar embarrassment. They left behind them three 
orphan children. William, the eldest, was eigh- 
teen years of age at the death of his patents : he 
V/as a discreet, sober youth. He followed the 
2 



14 MEMOIRS OF BOTSFORfc* 

occupation of his father, was successful in busi- 
ness, and at his death (being then about loi ty 
years of age) he left a part of his estate to his 
brother Edmund, the subject of this narrative. 
His only sister was but five years of age at the 
death of her parents. She was brought up by 
one of her maternal uncles, afterwards married a 
Mr. IHnton, was ihe mother of several children, 
and (inally died the death of the righteous. Ed- 
mund was left an orphan at seven, a tender help- 
less age ; but that God who is "the helper of 
the fatherless," provided for him. He providen- 
tially came under the care of Mrs. Osborn, an 
aunt of his ; a circumstance, which was regarded 
by some «f his pious friends, as a special answer 
to his mother's prayers That he might enjoy 
the advantages of a school, M;s Osborn sent hira 
to board with a Mrs Barnes, who had been an in- 
timate acquaintance of his mother's, and was an 
eminently pious woman In the family ol thi$ 
excellent female, he was treated with the great-* 
est kindness, and enjoyed the benefits of religious 
instruction and example. Through all his subsc 
quent life, Mr. Botsford cherished, with peculiar 
fondness, the memory of ;; the good Mrs. Barnes," 
and dwelt with lively interest and gratitude on the 
precious privileges, which he enjoyed in her hos* 
pitahb- dwelling. 

Whilst living with Mrs. Barnes, he regularly 
attended meeting with the rest of the family at a 
Baptist Church, about two miles from Wooburn. 
The sermons which he heard made a deep irn* 
pression on his memory, which was naturally re- 
tentive, and he would not unfrequently entertain 
the company, on their return from worship, by 
repeating the most prominent parts of the minis- 
ter's discourse. Buny tin's Pilgrim, and Holy War, 
afforded him much entertainment; several parts 



MEMOIRS OP EOTSFORt). 15 

of these interesting works he committed to mem-* 
ory as well as some of Watts' Hymns for Chil- 
dren, and many chapters in the Bible. " From 
my earliest childhood," says Mr. Botsford, M I 
bad a sjreat desire to be a minister. Even before 
the death of my parents, I would frequently go 
privately into the dining room, and put on an apron 
and black cloak of m\ mother's, as substitutes for 
surplice and gown ; then 1 would mount the high 
chair, on which I used to sit when at meals, and 
harangue my little play-fello v$." 

Whilst quite young, Mr Botsford was the sub- 
ject of frequent religious impressions. His con- 
victions were much deepened by an extraordinary 
dream, which he had in the eighth or ninth year 
of his age. It was of such an uncommon charac- 
ter, that I cannot forbear presenting it to the rea- 
der, in the words of Mr. Botsford. wt I dreamed 
I was on a hill in the Duke of Bedford's park, 
called Priest Hill. I thought the sky had a very 
uncommon and awful appearance. Looking round 
and upward, I discovered something at a great 
height, descending slowly towards the place where 
I stood. When it drew near, it appeared to be> 
a transparent chariot, clear as crystal : in it was 
Jesus Christ, sitting in a very majestic attitude, 
yet his looks were mildness and love. Behind 
the chariot was a person clothed in white shining 
raiment, and in his hand something like a spear 
with a long thin blade. I thought the Lord called 
me by name, ' Edmund.' I went to him ; he gave* 
me a large sword, bright as the light, and asked 
me if I could read what was written on the blade. 
I said the words were, c Right Jerusalem Blade/ 
I thought it was the sword mentioned in Bunyan's 
Pilgrim's Progress. Christ then said that we 
should have many and terrible enemies to encoun- 
ter that we must not step nor look backwards,, 



16 MEMOIRS OP BOTSFORfr. 

and that when we made a stroke, we must cry* 
out, c In the name of the Lord we will destroy 
thee.' If at any time our strength failed, we 
must look to the chariot, and our strength would 
return ; and whenever we saw the person behind 
the chariot waive the weapon he had in his hand, 
we must begin the battle. The chariot then, in a 
very majestic manner, ascended pretty high. I 
now found myself with several of my school-fel- 
lows, one of whom I was very intimate with, 
William But field. I perceived that all of them 
bad such swords as myself, and the directions given 
were for them, as well as for myself. I present- 
ly saw an army of men advancing towards us ; but 
such monsters of men I had never seen in my life: 
some very large and tall, some with noses as long 
as rny arm, some with heads as big as a bushel. 
We now looked at the chariot, and became men ; 
and our swords, which we could hardly lift when 
first given us, we could now wield with ease. 
When these frightful creatures advanced within a 
few steps of us, we all, as one man, sprang on 
them, and cried out as loud as we possibly could, 
€ In the name of the Lord we will destroy thee.' 
I remember the voice seemed as one, and sounded 
round the hill in a most sonorous and delightful 
manner. A most dreadful battle ensued ; we but 
a handful, and they thousands ; but in a few hours 
we cut them all down, and I remember I felt as 
though I could kill as many more. I was surprised 
to see amongst us one boy, who was very wicked: 
I wondered the Lord should have given him a 
sword. In a short time, a second numerous army 
came marching from the same place whence the 
first advanced. These all appeared stout men, 
but not deformed. As they drew near, they ap- 
peared very fierce, and we felt dejected, till one 
of the company mentioned the chariot ; we looked 



MEMOIRS 07 BOTSFOR-D. IT 

up to it, and felt ourselves men, and crying out 
with great vehemence, l In the name of the Lord 
wo will destroy thee,' we began the battle. 
These men fought like lions ; the battle was long, 
but in the end we slew every one, heaps upon 
heaps, like the dung in the field. When we had 
obtained the victory, I remember that 1 felt as 
though covered with dust, and sweat, and blood ; 
and yet my heart within me was stoat. Before* 
we were well rested, a third army presented 
themselves, to revenge the blood of those we had 
slain. As they drew near, I looked up to tht> 
chariot, which was now very high, and whilst I 
was gazing at it, I felt such pleasure as I cannot 
describe. I observed the person behind the char- 
iot waive the weapon he held in his hand ; I un- 
derstood the meaning very well, but I was so hap- 
py, that I felt unwilling to return again to the 
charge. However, turning my head, I discovered 
the enemy so close, that we could only punch them 
in the face with the hilt of the sword, till we 
made room to take a full stroke ; for we were not 
allowed to step backwards. Then we cried out 
as before, c In the name of the Lord we will de- 
stroy thee.' The combat was furious, far more 
so than the two preceding ones. At length, on j 
of the strongest threw me flat on my back, and my 
sword flew out of my hand. I saw the chariot, 
and just as the man was about to despatch me, I 
made a hard struggle and regained my sword ; aud 
crying out, 4 Rejoice not against me, O mine en- 
emy, when I fall I shall rise again, 7 1 gave a spring, 
and slew my adversary. To my surprise, this 
was the last man, and the battle was over. lit 
the mean time, the chariot descended as at the 
first, and the Lord called, l Edmund.' I went to 
the side of the chariot, and how pleasant I 
thought the Lord looked ! lie now held a sword 



18* MEMOIRS OF BOTSFORD- 

in one hand, and with the other wiped it up ami 
down, and said three times, ' Keep your sword 
bright,' and then added, 'You have many more 
enemies to encounter ; I am going up with the 
chariot, which will leave a streak of light to your 
view. "When your strength fails you, look to that 
light, and it will be renewed ; and when you have 
conquered all your enemies, I will come- down 
with this chariot and carry you to heaven.' The 
chariot then ascended till it appeared exceeding 
small, and then a streak of light darted from it, 
and came down to the earth. After several ef- 
forts, I got my face into the light, which shone so 
bright, that I awoke. I was in a profuse sweat, 
and felt as weary as though I had really acted 
what I dreamed. As soon as I arose, I related 
my dream to Mrs. Barnes. ' Edmund,' said she, 
'you will be a minister of the gospel." 

Dreams-, it must be acknowledged, are gene- 
rally vain and frivolous things ; but it cannot be 
denied that the one above related was somewhat 
extraordinary, especially when viewed in connec- 
tion with subsequent events. It was not a little 
singular that several years after Mr. Botsford had 
engaged in the ministry, he received a letter 
from the same William Butfield, mentioned in 
the dream, from which be learnt that he had be- 
come a minister of the gospel. He afterwards 
received a printed sermon from England, which 
was preached at the ordination of a Mr. Faulkner, 
Tvho, it appears, was the successor of Mr. But- 
field in the pastoral office in a church in Thorn, 
Bedfordshire. It was also stated, that Mr. Bot- 
field died of the small pox, in the year 1776. 

Mr. Botsford professes to have been much im- 
pressed with the conversation of a pious old lady 
1>y the name of Leaper, who happened to pay a 
•visit to Mrs. Barnes^ aoout the time of which we 



MEMOIRS" OP BOTSFORD* 19 

are now speaking. " I was very Fond of her," 
says fee, Ci as I thought she was a very holy wo- 
man; and as she was old, I thought she would 
soon be in heaven. She frequently calked to me 
about heaven, death and judgment. One night, 
Mrs. Barnes and she sat up very late, conversing 
about heaven, the company, the employment, and 
happiness of that holy place. That night was a 
night of wonders to me. i seemed to understand 
all they conversed about. I never before was so 
affected. 0, I thought what an unspeakable hap- 
py place must heaven be, if all the people there 
were like these godly women. I thought I could 
endure any thing while on earth, if I might, at 
last go to heaven and be with such people, who so 
much loved Christ. Many a time since, in the 
midst of all my sin, a remembrance of my feelings 
that night, would bring tears into my eyes ; and 
sometimes I felt a secret hope that I should be- 
come a good man, and at last be happy with these 
good women." 

Young Botsford continued to reside with Mrs. 
Barnes, and to attend a school in the same town, 
until he was about twelve years of ag'^. After 
he left the family of this pious lady, untij the last 
two years which he spent in England, to use his 
own words, " he played many mad pranks." His 
conduct appears to have been such, as to give great 
offence to his friends ; and at one time they all 
seemed to have cast him off, except his faithful 
and well tried friend, " the good Mrs. Barnes." 
" She, good woman," says Mr. Botsford, "never 
did. She would often lament my situation, and 
give me good advice ; and at a certain time, when 
I had no place which 1 could call home, no rela- 
tive, nor friend that would notice me, she took 
me in and was a mother to me. She had a singu- 
lar regard for my mother ; and the remarkable 



20 MEMOIRS OF BOTSFORD. 

dream I bad when young, so impressed her 
mind id my favour, that she could not give me up, 
but would still continue to hope for the best " 

Mr. Botsford, at one time, seemed to have had a 
strong desire for a sea-faring life ; " not," says 
he, " to fight, but to see the world." His mind 
received a bias in this direction from a trifling in- 
cident, which he thus relates. " It was common 
for children to try their fortunes, as it is called, 
by melting lead and pouring it into water. One 
day, several of us procured borne lead, in order to 
melt for the above purpose. When my turn 
came, I poured out my lead in such a hurry, thai 
I spilled it beside the cup of water on the floor, 
and behold ! it was almost as much like a ship, as 
though it had been poured into a mould. From 
that accident, myself and playfellows always con- 
cluded, that I should certainly go to sea. As 
there was no appearance of guns, I was to go on 
a trading voyage. About this time," Mr. Bots- 
ford adds, u our friends used to talk much about 
America, and I frequently felt as certain that I 
should go there, as if I had already engaged my 
passage." This little incident, though apparently 
so trifling and unimportant, seems to have had no 
small influence in giving a direction to his future 
life. What insignificant events may shape the 
characters, and influence the destinies of man. 

Impelled by his strong thirst for going to sea, 
he set off at a certain time, on foot and alone, for 
London. It does not appear at what age this oc- 
curred, but it must have been when he was quite 
young. To lighten, as much as possible, the fa- 
tigue of his journey, he would occasionally lay 
hold of carriages as they passed, and run along be- 
hind them several miles. At night he found him- 
self twenty four miles from home. And what now 
was young Botsford to do ? He was afraid to call 



JIEM0IRS OF BOTSFORD. 21 

at an inn for lodgings, and the idea of sleeping un* 
der a hedge was not very agreeable; however, 
as th<* night was pleasant, he finally resolved oa 
the latter expedient Passing over a stile, he ap- 
proached a hedge that was near, but as he was 
about to lie down, he was all at once, annoyed 
With a nauseous stench, which seemed to proceed 
from something like a dead corpse. This induced 
him to proceed further, until he supposed him- 
self beyond the reach of the offensive object ; he 
then laid himself down and slept till sunrise. But 
what was his supprise, when, on awaking, he 
found himself quite near a human body which was 
suspended in chains from a gibbet. " Never m 
my life," says Mr. Botsford, "was I so much 
frightened." He did not stand long to gaze at the 
frightful corpse ; neither did he think it propel* 
to pursue his journey. He hastened back as fast 
as he could, assuring himself that he was in a fair 
way of coming to a similar end. He now aban- 
doned for a time, the idea " of travelling to see the 
world." 

His mind, however, was still unsettled. Being 
disappointed in his maritime adventure, he must 
needs make experiment of the charms and toils of 
a soldier's life : so off he goes to join the army. 
It was this " mad pranks" which gave peculiar 
offence to his friends. There was war with France, 
and great preparations were making to repel an ex- 
pected invasion. The regiment, to which young 
Botsford belonged, was marched into Scotland ; 
there it was separated into three divisions, and the 
one to which he was attached, was sent to Dundee, 
afterwards to Aberdeen It would seem that he 
had not been long in the ranks, before an officer, 
who took a liking to Botsford, selected him for 
his waiting-man. l>v this change, he was exempted 
from military duty, and lived well ; but he had 



22 MEMOIRS OP BDTSFORB. 

enough to do, however, to keep him busy, tfe 
cleaned shoes, knives and forks, was frequently 
employed as a cook, and in short, attended to all 
kinds of household and kitchen drudgery, except 
washing. But whilst at Aberdeen, the officer on 
whom he waited, was stationed at another place, 
and in consequence of this, he was again thrown 
back into the ranks, and compelled to attend to 
the duties of a common soldier. — On two occa- 
sions, he very narrowly escaped severe correc- 
tion Once, whilst stationed as a sentinel, he 
was found asleep at his post : for this short nap, 
he expected nothing less than 500 lashes ; but the 
corporal very kindly neglected his duty and did 
not report him, so poor Botsford escaped. At 
another time, he overslept himself, and w r as too 
late at parade. For this offence, he was put un- 
der guard ; but promising to be attentive In fu- 
ture, his lieutenant dismissed him without inflict- 
ing any further punishment. " These escapes, 55 
says Mr, Botsford, u had a better effect on 
ine, than a flogging had on many, or perhaps would 
have had on myself." 

The army was at length disbanded, and young 
Botsford once more sets his face towards home. 
cc Home!" says he, " alas, I had no-home ; nor did 
I know that I had a friend in the world. I, how- 
ever, travelled for Mrs. Barnes' : I thought that 
she, if any body, would show me kindness." On 
his way to Mrs. Barnes', some very affecting in- 
cidents occurred, which are thus related by Mr. 
Botsford. " I called at a house, in which was a 
gentleman, a Doctor, w T ho seemed to eye in e very 
steadily for some time. At length, he asked my 
name. On my telling him, he could scarcely re- 
frain from tears, as it reminded him of my parents, 
* Is it possible,' said he, 4 that this can be Edmund 
Botsford, whom I so often carried in my arms < 






MEMOIRS OF BOTSFORB. 23 

What would be the feelings of your parents, if 
they knew that you were a foot-soMier ! young 
man, I am sorry for you ; you must have behaved 
yourself badly indeed, or.your friends would never 
have suffered you to remain in this station.' I 
replied, that I had been foolish and wild, but that 
1 bad paid for my folly, and was now returning to 
be sober and orderly. He gave me good advice, 
and also some money to help me on my journey ; 
but one day, meeting a townsman of mine, who 
was anxious to show his good will to me, he caused 
me to drink too freely ; a vice, however, that I 
very rarely feel into. After I parted with him, 
1 sat down by the side jf the road, and at length 
fell asleep. When I awoke, I found I had been 
robbed of my money, yid some of my shirts. I 
was now sixty or seventy miles from home, and 
all I had to live upon was one penny and a half. 5 ' 

Poor Edmund ! his condition was now pitiable 
indei d. Friendless, moneyless, and almost shirt- 
Jess ; on foot, alone, and no doubt burdened with 
self-reproaches for his past follies, and perhaps 
with fears that the "good Mrs. Barnes," whose 
kindness he had so often abused, would not show 
pity to the returning prodigal. And here as I pass 
along, I cannot avoid recording my solemn protest 
against that most idle and pernicious practice of 
treating friends 44 to show our good will." The 
awful wo of inspiration should ring in our ears, as 
we reach out the accursed token of friendship; 
14 VVo unto him that giveth his neighbour drink, 
that puttest ihy bottle to him, and paakest him 
drunken also." When will friends cease to de- 
stroy one another by this murderous civility ! 

" So 1 returned to Mrs. Raines," says Mr. 
Botsford, lt as poor as I could be. She, good wo- 
man, was glad tos< e me, as were all the family.' 1 
Through the influence of this inflexible friend, 



24 MEMOIRS OF BOTSFORD. 

Mr. Botsford found employment in the family of 
a Mr. Shelby, which he says was kk a good place. " 
H^ was employed as a groom in the gentleman's 
hunting stcible, and he would probably have con- 
tinued longer at Mr. Shelby's, had he not been so 
severely bUten by an unruly horse, as to endanger 
his lite. u At this place," he observes, " I was 
much troubled about my soul." At the expira- 
tion of the year, he left his employer ; but such 
had been his behaviour, that he had retrieved, in 
a good degree, his character, regained the good 
will of his friends, and was enabled to procure 
from Mr. fchelby a recommendation to another re- 
putable place, "' which suited his turn much bet- 
ter." His second employer was a Mr. Freeman, 
who resided in Wooburn.^ " My pride," says he, 
" was so much humbled, uiat I cheerfully served 
in my native town." He now lived near Mrs. 
Barnes, who continued to show him much affection 
and kindness, and gave him good counsel. By 
shunning bad company, and attending with great 
fidelity to his various duties, he became more and 
more respected and esteemed by his friends : 
4 indeed," says he, u I was esteemed by every 
body." He informs us. that he now had an op- 
portunity of seeing something of high life, as he 
frequently attended his master do his visits to 
several of the nobility. Indeed, Mr. Botsford, 
the waiting-man, seems, by his good behaviour, 
to have established for hiuaself a kind of kitchen 
nobility. u My hands," says he M were now full ; 
I never had a servant that ever did half the work 
that I did, while I lived at Captain Freeman's. 
I was remarked for three things, viz, sobriety, 
being a fine shoe black, and keeping sharp an4 
clean knives. 

M Honor and shame from no condition rise ; 

M Act ^eliyour part, there all the honor lieg. ,? . 



MEMOIRS OP BOTSFORD. 20 

The Lord still followed him with the whisper- 
ings of his Spirit Though, whilst, living with Mr„ 
Freeman, he had not the opportunity of hearing 
one gospel sermon, tw yet," says he, *' I b ,j gan to 
be very serious and thoughtful about eternal 
things ." 

It might not be improper here to relate, that 
Mr. Botsford was frequently brought to the very 
gates of death In his infancy, he was twice 
thought to have been dead with the whooping; 
cough-: in childhood, he came nigh being drowned 
at two different times. One of these accidents 
occurred whilst living, perhaps, with his aunt, 
Mrs. Osborn One day, he walked out with a 
gold-headed cane, belonging to some one of the 
family, to a neighbouring pond ; and for the pur- 
pose of trying its depth, he waded in, feeling his 
way before him with the cane. At length, he 
came to a sudden descent, and immediately sunk 
to a depth, from which he found it impossible to 
extricate himself. Shortly after, a gentleman 
passed by, and sccidentally noticed the top of the 
gold-headed cane moving to and fro a little above 
the surface of the water. His curiosity was ex- 
cited, and upon wading in, he found it firmly 
grasped by the unfortunate lad, who was appar- 
ently struggling in thp agonies of death. He suc- 
ceeded in rescuing him from his perilous situation, 
and young Botsford at length revived ; but a few 
moments delay would have rendered all aid una- 
vailing. Whilst a young man, his life was at one 
time endangered by the bite of a horse, as above 
related ; and at another time, whilst afflicted with 
a pulmonary complaint, (this was in his nineteenth 
year) his recovery was despaired of. But his 
days were not yet numbered ; (J oil was preserv- 
ing him for a ira lortanl work. In view of iJod's 
mercy in saving nun. from so many dangers, and 

Q 

o 



26 MEMOIRS OF EOTSFORD. 

bearing tvith him in his career of youthful felly, 
he exclaims, <% Surely if ever there ivas a mira- 
cle of grace, I am the man.' 5 In the sane con- 
nexion lie also adds, " but in the midst of all my 
bin, 1 always had a reverence cf some kind for 
good men and good books, and never could bear to 
hear either spoken against." 

The charms of a sea voyage now present them- 
selves to Mr. Botsford's mind with a most inviting 

ect. He had not forgotten, probably, 
leaden ship, which, in childhood, be c ed so 

ominous of his future destiny : whilst the fi 
fid corpse and gibbet had pretty much glided 
Lis thoughts, or, at least, had ceased to alarm 
About this time a Mr, George Harris, a r: 
by trade, and one of Mrs Banes' gi . was 

ited by a gentleman from Charleston. S 
Carolina, to lea\e London and visit An erica ; ad- 
ding, foi bis encouragement, that "at Charles 
be might soon make a fortune. 93 Young 11 
resolved on making the experiment It appears, 
whilst children. Harris rd had at- 

tended the same sen oi, 

idship were like brothers, Ai 
ish recreations, they had often eoi 

I visiting distant countrii 
ea N s had young Harris n 

mind to try his fortui » new tvorld, th; 

munieated his ps j letter 

and requested 
:h I hey . 
years, yet Harris si 

iled w ith the vi 

I Mr. E ts 

- 
i 

g 00- 

and 



MEMOIRS OF BOTSFORB. 27 

with a small stock of merchandize. Mr. Botsford 
particularly states, that u Mrs, Barnes was so 
partial to America, that she gave ht?r free con- 
sent. " He also states, u She gave me very par- 
ticular advice, and withal observed, that she hoped 
a door would be opened for my becoming a min- 
ister." The g'>od woman, it appears, could not 
forget the dream. On the 18th' of November, 
17o5, being then twenty years of age, Mr. Bots* 
ford sailed for Charleston. 



CHAPTER II. 



JlfK Botsford arrives in Charleston — His convex 
sion — Commerces learning a trade — Enters upon 
his studies preparatory to tke ministry. 

Mr. Botsford was now upon the great deep. 
The Ruler of winds and waves took him under 
his merciful care, and commenced anew the work 
of conviction in bis heart. " On the passage," 
says Mr. Botsford, " I was careful to read soma 
portion of the Bible every day, agreeably to Mrs. 
Barnes' request. I also read Banyan's " Come 
and welcome to Jesus Christ :" the reading of 
this book made a very deep impression on my 
mind- I became more thoughtful than ever, 
prayed much, and soon concluded that I was a 
converted man I enjoyed much peace of mind, 
and really thought that I was the best person ou 
board the ship. Never was a poor creature more 
completely deceived." 

On the 28th of January, 1766, he arrived in 
Charleston. " We now found ourselves in a new 
world" Mr. Botsford remarks, " but alas ! I soon 
found that I retained my old heart." The letter?, 



MEMOIRS OF BOTSFORD. 

iv* li i ch yonug Botsford and his colleague broi 
tritfa them from England, soon introduced them to 
of several respectable men. 

Harris found lucrative employment as a painter: 
Botsford attended 10 the selling of their little 
stock of goods, and at the same time, as he had 
leisure and ability, assisted his friend in his paint- 
ing business. Had they conducted themselves 
With proper discretion, they might, with G 
blessing, have accumulated money ; but cm ac- 
count of their inexperience, they refused some 
is oners, and consequently did not 
meet with anticipated success. Not long after, 
took it into his head to go off to Bar- 
a company of strolling stage players. 
rought Mr. Botsford into great distress: 
ever, he at length hired himself to h.s land- 
lord, \vho was an upholsterer, with whom he lived 
a few months, at low wages. But this gentleman 
-d in business, and Mr. Botsford was a- 
gain thrown out of employment. These repeated 
disappointments brought him again to seiious re- 
jection. 

"At this time,*" writes Mr. Botsford in his 
Memoirs, " convictions returned upon me, or ra- 
began in a very different manner than at any 
time before. I now considered myself a cast- 
away, forsaken both by God and man. I saw my- 
self a lost, ruined creature. Now all old tfa 
were brought to my remembrance ; the i 

iocs of my friends, especially those 
of '-Irs. Barnes, the promises I had made, &&, all 
united to distress me. Here I was in a strange 
land, and not a friend in the world to whom I could 
unbosom myself. Truly my case was deplorable. 
I went from one place of worship to another, but 
could find no relief, nor hear what I called a gos- 
pel sermon, exoept from aa aged gentleman, who 



MEMOIRS OP BOTSFORD.> 29 

preached so heavily and dull, that I did not like 
to hear him. Every one of the family, in which 
I lived, were wicked : I often concluded we should 
all perish together, and sometimes I would tell 
them so. At length, on a certain day, one of the 
boarders said to me, ' Botsford, what is the mat- 
ter with you ?' I replied, 4 I cannot tell, but I am 
in great distress ' He said, 'you are under what 
they call conviction ; I have been so myself, and 
would give the world if I felt just as you now do.* 
I observed to him, that I would not wish any 
creature to be in such a situation. Said he, 
4 there is but one minister in this place, who caa 
be of any service to you, but he, I am told, is a 
Baptist ; all the rest of the ministers deserve 
not the name. I would advise you to go and 
hear him.' This was the best news I had heard 
in America, for I had entertained the notion, that, 
if 1 could hear the gospel, there would be a pos* 
sibility of my being saved. On the next Lord's 
day, 1 set off with an intent of going to meeting ; 
but just as I came to the gate of the meeting 
house yard, this foolish thought came into my 
mind, i What a fool am I ! If I go to hell, what 
will become of all the inhabitants of Charleston.* 
1 turned off from the gate, and walked on the old 
fortifications. But O what distress now seized 
xny mind ! I had heard of the gospel, and had re- 
jected it ; I considered myself a monster, a rep- 
robate ; my distress was so great that I cried out, 
4 1 am damned, I am damned, justly damned,' 
There were several pieces of large cannon lying' 
on the platform ; and I had the dreadful wish to 
be blowed to hell by one of those great guns, that 
I might know the worst of my state. A person 
walking by at this time, roused me from my rev- 
erie. I walked home, and continued all the week 
in great distress, However, 1 was spared till the 
St 



JO MEMOIRS OF BOTSF( 

next Sabbath ; J then went to meeting, and at this 
gate had the same foolish notion as en the la^t 
Sabbath ; but conceiving it to be a temptation of 
fcafan, I hastened into the house, and seated my- 
self in a convenient place. Presently the minis- 
ter came ; though I did not like his dress, there 
vas something ia his countenance which pleased 
rce. He began worship by prayer ; I was pleas- 
ed with it. After singing, the venerable man of 
God took his text from Acts xiii. 26 ; l Men and 
"brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and 
whosoever among you feareth God ; to you is the 
word of this salvation sent.' To describe the ex- 
ercises of my mind under this sermon would be 
impossible. However, upon the whole, I conclu- 
ded it was possible there might be salvation for 
■me, even for me. I then determined, that, in fu- 
ture, 1 would attend worship in this place. I do 
not remember, that, when able to go, I ever once 
omitted attending, whilst I lived in Charleston. 
Indeed, I would not have omitted one sermon for 
all the riches in the world. Before this, I wished 
■to return to England ; but now I was perfectly 
satisfied to remain, if I lived on bread and water 
•only. I think this was on the last Sabbath in Au- 
gust, 1766. I had been taught that I could not 
be saved, unless I became converted ; this I be- 
lieved, and when on board the ship I thought I 
-, a? converted ; but I soon found after my arrival 
hi Charleston, that I had been deceived. 

M Now my mind soon became more enlighten- 
ed ; I read, 1 prayed, I heard preaching ; but I 
had none, no, not one, with whom I could converse. 
I was very shy of every body ; the moment ser- 
vice was ended, I was one of the first out of the? 
house. I now thought myself very happy, be- 
cause I had found a gospel preacher ; now I ex- 
pected soon to get converted. hew good was 



MEMOIRS OF 30T3FGRB, 35 

God to me, to spare me, to disappoint my worldly 
tievvs ! Yes, I thakk God for bringing me into 
straits ; if he bad not, I might never have heard 
this Gospel. I thought more of Mr. Hart, the 
Minister, than of any person in the world. In a 
few weeks I began to think myself better I had 
forsaken, as I supposed, every evil ; I prayed al- 
most continually ; I loved every person whom I 
thought good ; in short, I was a good, a very good 
man. About this time I did not think about my 
conversion, but about my goodness. I frequently 
wished every body as good as myself; but I well 
recollect, that I thought very few, if any, except 
Mr. Hart, w 7 ere as good as myself. One day, in 
the month of October, as I was walking by my- 
self, on a sudden the following words dropped into 
my mind ; " Cursed is every one that continueth 
not in all things written in the book of the law to 
do them ?" I never before had such a view of the 
law of God. Suffice it to say, I had a greater 
discovery of the deceitfulness of my heart, than I 
ever before had ; all my religion, and fine thoughts 
about my goodness, came tumbling about my 
ears, and I was left a poor wretched hypocrite. 
I was loathsome in my own eyes : how much 
more so in the sight of God I 

" I do not remember, that, at this time, I had 
any very distressing fears of hell ; but it cut me 
to the heart, that I had sinned against such a good, 
gracious God, and that I was such an unholy, de- 
ceitful creature. The first day of November, 
the day on which I was twenty-one years of age* 
was a day never to be forgotten. It was a day of 
light, a day of joy and peace. That day I had 
clearer views than formerly, of sin, holiness, God 
and Christ, and different views from all I had 
ever before experienced. I think I was ena- 
bled to devote my whole self to God as arccoi* 



83 MEMOfRS OP BOT3FORB. 



ciled God. I think I then so believed in Christ, 
as to trust in him, and commit my ail into his 
hands. At that time, and from that time, I con- 
sidered myself as not my own, but his ; his, and 
not the xcorWs ; His, and no longer Satan's; his, 
for time, and his for eternity 

" In the morning of that day, I considered my- 
self far, yea, farther from God, more odious to 
him, to myself, than I had ever seen myself be- 
fore. I was depressed by sin, and concluded I 
never should be converted. But a text, which 
had often given me hope, now came afresh to my 
mind, and encouraged me to pray : c Call upon 
me in the day of trouble; I will deliver thee, and 
thou shalt glorify me;' and another, 4 come unto 
me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I 
will give you rest;' together with several other 
encouraging words : at length these words made 
the greatest impression, l my grace 13 sufficient 
for thee. 5 These words were as apples of gold in 
pictures of silver. I saw the grace of God in 
Christ was sufficient for every purpose, respect- 
ing the salvation of a sinner, from first to last. — 
My guilt was removed; my sorrow turned into 
joy, and I had peace through believing in the free- 
ness and fulness of this great salvation. I was 
indeed like a new man; every thing in me, all 
around me, appeared new. A new song was put 
into my mouth, even praises to my God and Sa- 
viour. I could not but express my joy to the fa- 
mily where I lived, though they were strangers 
to every thing of the kind, and some of them re- 
ally thought I was deranged This unspeakable 
happiness continued without any intermission for 
two whole weeks; and I then thought it would 
continue forever. 

44 But, alas ! I soon found that I was mistaken, 
I had as yet but little knowledge of the dreadful 






MEMOIRS OF BOTSFORD, OO 

deceitfulness of the heart, and of the various 
temptations of Satan. One morning, rising from 
my bed, I found myself in great darkness, such 
darkness as I had never felt. It so depressed my 
spii its, that every one in the family observed it. 
Alas ! I had lost my Christ, or rather my confi- 
dence, and some words of Scripture were impress- 
ed om my mind that added to my distress; but, 
in a day or two. I found relief, and felt happy ia 
my mind For some months., generally speaking, 
I almost constantly enjoyed the presence of God. 
O, it was a heaven on earth. Now I thought I 
should live with Mrs. Barnes and Mrs. Leaper 
forever; and what was best of all, I should be 
with Christ. Now I was content with every 
thing, and thought myself happier than if I bad 
gained the whole world. I now began to have 
such a regard for the salvation of poor sinners, as 
I had never felt before. I suppose, that had I 
been in some congregations, with which I have 
since been acquainted, I should have exhorted 
all around me- I now felt a desire to form some 
acquaintance with the members of the church, 
but through diffidence I did not, till some time ia 
February, 1767. I wished Mr. Hart to be made 
acquainted with what the Lord had done for me 
wiiile under his ministry. At length I wrote to 
him, and soon after called upon him, and related 
to him my experience. On the 13th of March 
1 was baptized, and joined the Baptist Church in 
Charleston. 

44 I wrote home to my relations and friends. gU 
ving them an account of my happy change. This 
was pleasing to them, especially to Mrs. Barnes, 
who always entertained hopes that the Lord 
would, at some time, call me out of darkness into 
his marvellous light. For a considerable time 
after 1 was baptized; it was happy times witk 



S4 MEMOIRS OF BOTSFORD, 

ine T h?id now entered into a new world indeed; 
my new acquaintances were a holy I a ►pie; 

with (h m I enjo itisfacttQR. as also ia 

communion with Gtod*. 0. these were happy days 
indeed ? Little did ! then thiok, thai such tiving 
times were at han i as S goon after experienced." 

Such wa^ Mr. Botsford 's religious experience 
at the commencement of his christian course. 
His conversion was sound and scriptural; and 
from that time till the day of his death, he was 
enabled, by the grace of God, to maintain an hum- 
ble, pious, and consistent walk. 

As he had now become fixed in his determina- 
tion to remain in America, he very pi udently con- 
cluded to make himself master of some useful 
trade, that he might be enabled to secure a com- 
fortable and honest livelihood. He, accordingly, 
indebted himself to a person for the term of three 
years and a half, to learn the trade of a Carpen- 
ter. This happened lobe the very person, who 
first recommended to him the ministry of Mr. 
Hart. He was to be furnished with genteel ap- 
parel, K to eat with master, 5 enjoy the liberty of 
attending church, and, at the expiration of his ap- 
prenticeship, was to have a good suit of clothes, 
and a chest of tools. With these terms Mr. 
Botsford was well satisfied. He, was fond of his 
occupation, soon made considerable proficiency in 
the use of tools, and then '-thought," as he express- 
es it, "that he was preparing both for this world, 
and the world to come. — But the man," continues 
Mr. Botsford, u (for I cannot call him a gen- 
tleman) used me very well, until he married ; 
soon after this, he lost his serious impressions, 
and his mind was so turned against me, that it 
seemed as though he could not bear me in his 
sight. He turned me into the kitchen, to eat 
with the negroes, put zae to the worst of 



MEMOIRS OF EOTSFORB, 85 

drudgery, and seldom sanme. but he cursed me, 
and sometimes in a manner too awful to relate." 
Mr. Botsford bore this severity with exemplary 
fortitude and submission, and ttiii applied h;ui- 
self industrious!) to his vvork. Bui at length his 
bu. den became heavier than he could well bear; 
for being under the necessity of eating offensive 
food, he felt constrained, after several uionths en- 
durance, to mention the circumstance to one of 
the members of the Church. His brother advis- 
ed him to bear his afflictions with a christian tem- 
per, but at the same time kindly invited him to 
come to his house every evening for wholesome 
refreshment, He did so, and finding his buidea 
somewhat lightened by the kindness of hisfriend, 
he continued with his cruel master several months 
longer. 

But at length matters took a new turn. The 
generous friend, above alluded to, had a wicked, 
profligate ecu, who informed the employer of Mr. 
Botaiord of the complaint he had made to his fa- 
ther, am! added to the statement such falsehoods 
as his malice and depravity dictated. " This so 
enraged Srim," says Mr. Botsford, " that he came 
to me in great fury, with a stick in one hand, and 
niy indentures in the other, and with a great oath 
bid me take them, i took them, bit off the seal, 
and bid' him strike if he dare. I never saw a per- 
son more disappointed, tor he had not (he least 
expectation that 1 would take the indentures. 
However, I vvas i»ow free from the tyrant. Some 
few months after, he> became deranged, so that 
he could not attend to his business ; afterwards 
became poor, and in a few years died " 

Let us dwell for a moment on the character and 
fate of this wretched man. We first see him (lie 
subject of r ligious impressions ; .it length he |o- 
tes 1 ia convictions, becomes a. despiser of religion, 



36 MEMOIRS OF BOTSFORIn 

a cruel tyrant, a blasphemer, and a persecutor; 
the judgments of heaven 'overtake him, his reason 
is s uttched away, and then his possessions, and in 
this state the poor man dir's. How forcibly do 
such examples remind us of the awful warnings 
of the Bible ! — cc My Spiiit shall not always strive 
with man. — He, that being often reproved, hard- 
eneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and 
that without remedy — Gut whoso shall offend one 
of these little ones, which believe in me, it were 
better for hind that a millstone were hanged about 
bis neck, and that he were drowned in the depths 
of the sea.' 5 

Whilst living with the gentleman, or, as Mr, 
Botsford would have it, the man. above alluded 
to, his mind was much exercised with regard to 
the gospel ministry ; but feeling his unfitness for 
the great work, and finding his way so much hedg- 
ed up, he seemed reluctant to yield to his impres- 
sions. At length, however, they became so deep 
and powerful, that, M like Jacob, he bargained 
with the Lord, if he would set him free, he would 
fully devote himself to the service of the church." 
Being delivered in an unexpected manner, as has 
just been related, from the oppression of his cru- 
el task-master, he considered that he would now 
be without excuse, were he to resist those convic- 
tions, which he was persuaded were from the 
Lord. At the next church meeting, Mr. Hart, 
the Pastor, made his case known to the brethren, 
and they requested him, at a convenient time, to 
deliver a discourse before them, and a few select 
friends, that they might be able to judge of his 
ministerial gifts. At the time appointed, he 
preached his first sermon from Isa. xxii. 45 ; and 
it was the opinion of the brethren and friends, 
that he should he encouraged to go forward in the 
great work. He then put himself under the di- 



2UEM0IRS OF B0TSF0RD. 37 

rection of the church, and, in compliance with 
their wishes, agreed to pursue a course of study, 
which might better fit him for usefulness in the 
gospel ministry. One gentleman* kindly offered 
to give him his instruction and board ; another a- 
greed to supply him with clothes On the 1st of 
February, 17S9, he entered upon his preparatory- 
studies. " I now considered myself," says Mr. 
Botsford, " as beginning a new kind of life ; and 
that I was now in a more particular manner than 
ever to devote myself to God, and be entirely at 
his disposal. I would often look back upon my 
past life with wonder and admiration, with thank- 
fulness and praise. O what great things had God 
done for me !" Having enumerated many of 
God's mercies, and several interesting scenes 
through which he had passed, he adds ; u So I 
have been groom, footman, painter, carpenter and 
soldier ; and had now commeuced minister." 

It sterns, therefore, that u the good Mrs. Barnes" 
had not counselled, and warned, and hoped, and 
prayed in vain. Her wayward orphan boy, over 
whom she had so often mourned and wept, whom 
she had followed with such unwearied solicitude 
and kindness, and who sometimes seemed, as he 
himself once feared, to be a fairer candidate for 
th« gibbet, than for the pulpit, is at length brought 
back, by the wonderful grace and mysterious pro- 
vidences of God, to the great Shepherd and Bish- 
op of his soul, and is now preparing, as an under 
shepherd, to feed the flock of Christ, and guide 
wandering, and benighted souls to the realms of 
bliss. Let pious friends never be discouraged, 
though they may long sow in tears, and water hi 
tears, aud may iiualiy be ready to conclude that 

* The pious and learned David William?, the lather of 
the late lamented General William*. 



2UEM0IRS OF BOTSFORD* 



they liave laboured in vain, and spent their strength 
for naught ; yet let them not forget, that with God 
there is faithfulness, and with him there is great 
mercy ; eiicouraged by his precious promises, and 
by examples like that which these humble pages 
exhibit, let them hope that those buds of wayward 
childhood, which have been cherished with the 
breath of prayer, and watered with the tears of 
pious solicitude, may yet be impregnated with the 
dews of grace, expand into fragrant blossoms, and 
ripen into celestial fruit. 



CHAPTER III. 



,1/r. Boisford is licensed to preach — Visits Georgia, 
end labours with acceptance — Anecdotes — Ordu 
nation — Anecdote — Church constituted — Mar* 
-ries and settlts on Brier Creek — Poetry — War 
rages, and he escapes to South Carolina. 

Sir. B.otsford was licensed to preach in Feb- 
ruary, 1171, and he continued to labour with his 
* Father Hart,' till the tollowing June- He finally 
concluded to leave Charleston. A gentleajan from 
the neighbourhood of the Pedee, made him a pre- 
sent of a horse, saddle and saddle-bags ; his friends 
in Charleston furnished him with apparel. Leav- 
ing Charleston he travelled on as far as Euhaw, 
where he remained with the Rev. Mr. Pelot till 
the end of July. Whilst with Mr. Pelot, an inci- 
dent occurred, which it may not be improper to 
relate. Mr Eotsford was invited to preach at a 
certain time, and it appears that whilst delivering 
his discourse he was favored with uncommon li- 
berty. He was much elated with his performance, 
and was exceedin^iy anxious to ascertain the opm- 



Memoirs op botsfori>. 59 

fen of his friend, \h\ Pelot, in relation to his ser- 
mon. After their return from public worship, as 
they were walking together in the garden, Mr. 
Botsford asked his friend if be thought that he 
possessed such gifts, as should- encourage him to 
go forward in the work of the ministry. Mr, Pe- 
lot replied that, at present, he was unprepared 
to answer the question. Soonaft^r Mr Botsford 
preached again ; but alas ! his mind vas full of 
darkness, and his lips stantmered ; and he was 
now as much chagrined, as he was before elated* 
After his return from meeting, Mr Pelot asked 
him to take a walk in the garden. His heart 
fluttered; he expected rough handling. 4t I could 
riot answer your question the other day," said 
Mr. Pelot, "for I thought that, perhaps, Bots- 
ford might be one of those preachers, who can 
preach when they please; but I now perceive 
that Botsford cannot always preach just when 
Botsford pleases; I am therefore encouraged to 
hope that he is called of God, and that he may- 
venture forward in the work." Thus he was 
unexpectedly humbled, and, at. the same time, 
unexpectedly encouraged. At this time there 
were a few Baptists, who constituted a branch of 
the Euhaw Church, in Georgia, near Tuckaseek- 
ing, a settlement about 40 miles from Savannah. 
In consequence of the death of Mr. Benjamin, 
Stirk, a zealous Baptist Minister, they were* 
left without the regular preaching of the Gospel. 
They heard of Mr. Botsford, and requested him 
to come over and help them. Encouraged by his 
brethren of the Euhaw Church, ho paid them a 
visit in company with Mr. Pelot, and preached to 
them his first sermon on the 27th of June, 1 7 7 J . 
At this time there was not a regularly constituted 
Baptist Church, nor but one ordained minister* 

# Mr. Daniel Marshall, who had just removed to ( 



40 MEMOIRS OP B0TSF0RB, 

in the whole Province of Georgia. His labours 
at Tuckaseeking were highly acceptable, and 
yielding to the solicitations of the people, he con- 
cluded to remain amongst them for the space of 
one year. During his residence here, he met 
with no opposition in his labours ; he was much 
followed and caressed, and there were some who 
would travel twenty miles to attend his ministry. 
Mr. Botsford now began to live an active life. 
His labours were not confined to Tuckaseeking, 
hut he preached extensively in many contiguous 
regions, both in Georgia and South Carolina.—-* 
The manner in which he commenced his labours 
at Ebenezer, a large settlement of Dutch Luthe- 
rans below Tuckaseeking, was not a little amus- 
ing. It is thus related by Mr. Botsford. u At 
the lower part of this settlement was a Dutch 
Church, which was only occasionally occupied, by 
the Lutherans, and was convenient to a few Bap-v 
lists and others, not of their communion. I was* 
asked if I had any objections to preach in it, if 
leave could be obtained. c By no means.' Ap- 
plication was made to the Minister, a Mr. Robin- 
hurst (as the name w r as pronounced) and he re- 
ferred the applicant to the Deacon. The Dea- 
con's reply was, 4 no, no ; tese Paptists are a very* 
pad people ; they pegin shlow at forst, py and py 
all men follow dein. No, no, pad people, pad 
people ; go to the minister, Mr. R. ; if he says 
breach, den I kiff you de keys,' c The minister 
says I have no objection, and leaves it with you.* 
4 Den take de keys ; I will come and hear my- 
self.' The house was opened, and I preached 
the first time, on October 1st* 1771, from Matt* 
ix. 18, When I had preached, the old Deacon 



gia from the neighbourhood of Horse Creek, South Caro- 
lina. , 



MEMOIRS OP EOTSFORD, 41 

said ; l Dat peen pad poy ; put he breach Jesus 
Christ ; he come again and welcome." 

" Py and py all men follow dem," was the 
prediction of the honest Dutchman. Though 
this prophecy has not been literally fulfilled ; yet 
it has been verified to an extent, which the au- 
thor of it could hardly have anticipated. At the 
time it was uttered, there was not one Baptist 
Church, nor but one ordained minister, as stated 
above, in all Georgia ; there are now (1831) a- 
bout three hundred and fifty-six Churches, two hun- 
dred Ministers, and more than twenty-eight thousand 
communicants. At that time, the Baptist cause, 
in the United States generally, was in its infancy; 
but there are now about thee thousand Ministers ; 
more than four thousand Churches ; and betweeu 
three and jour hundred thousand communicants. 

A little one has become a thousand : it is the 
Lord's doing, and let the name of the Lord be 
praised Were these four thousand Churches to 
come up fully to the help of the Lord, how much 
might they accomplish towards evangelizing the* 
world. How poorly do we requite the Lord for 
his gieat goodness ! — But to return. 

It does not appear that during this year, any 
conversions were produced by the instrumentali- 
ty of Mr. Botsford's preaching ; but in the fol- 
lowing year, Mr. Pelot baptized one or two, who 
had been awakened by his faithful warnings In 
the year 1772, Mr. Botsford enlarged the sphere 
of his useful labours, and travelled and preached 
almost incessantly. He visited Augusta, Kiokee, 
and several other places, which, at that time, 
stretched along upon the frontiers of Georgia and 
South Carolina. In one of his excursions he be- 
came acquainted with the famous Daniel Mai- 
shall, who, a short time before, had removed to 
rgia, and settled upon one of the Kiokee 
4* 



42 MEMOIRS OP BOTSFORD. 

creeks. Mr. Eotsford gives the following account 
'of their first interview. "By him, (a Col. Bar- 
nard,") I was introduced to Mr. Daniel Mar- 
shall, as a gentleman originally from old England, 
hut last from Charleston. l Well Sir,' said Mr. 
Marshall, 'are you come to preach for us ?' — 
c Yes sir, by ycur leave, but 1 confess I am at a 
loss for a text V '-Well, well, lock to the Lord 
for one ?' I trust I did so, and preached from 
Vs. lxvi. 16. When I had done, the good old gen- 
tleman took me by the hand and said, ' I can call 
thee brother, and give thee the right hand of fel- 
lowship, for some how I never heard convarsioii 
better explained in my life ; but I would not 
have thee think thou preachest as well as Jo 
Ileese and Philip Mulkey :f however, I hope 
you will go home with nie.' I did so, and from 
that time a friendship commenced between the 
good old gentleman, his son Abraham Marshall, 
and myself, which I trust, will never be dissolv- 
ed." 

It is well known to those who are acquainted 
with the early history of the Baptists in Ameri- 
oa, that, for many years, they were divided into 
two general classes, called Regular and Separate 
Baptists. About the year 1740, a glorious revi- 
val of religion commenced in New England, un- 

* This was the very individual, before whom Daniel 
Marshall appeared for trial, when arrested for preaching in 
the Parish of St. Paul. Soon after this, Col. Barnard, 
though he retained his connexion with the Church of En- 
gland, became a decided friend of Mr. Marshall, and the 
Baptists ; he spoke of them very favourably to Sir James 
"Wright, the Governor ; he invited Mr. Botsford to his 
house, and was the one who first requested him to preach 
at Kiokee. Though he was an eccentric character, yet 
Mr. Botsford regarded him as a good man, and observes 
that he died in a most triumphant manner. 

t Distinguished Baptist Preachers of the Separate order 



MEMOIRS OF BOTSFORD.' 43 

tier the ministry of that eminent servant of God, 
the Rev. George Whitfield. This was called by 
way of derision, the New-light Stir. The con- 
sequence was, that many of the most zealous and 
spiritual separated from the established order, 
Were organized into distinc* churches, and hence, 
were called Separates : Many of these finally em- 
braced the peculiar sentiments of the Baptists, 
and these w T ere then called Separate Baptists. — - 
They spread far and wide, and planted many 
Churches in various parts of the land, which in- 
herited the discriminating title of their founders. 
The other churches, of which there were many 
in America, took the name of Regular Baptists. 
Between the Regulars and Separates there were, 
for many years, but little christian intercourse 
and communion ; the merest trifles were some- 
times allowed to keep them at an unhappy dis- 
tance from each other. But at length a gradual 
amalgamation was effected, and the invidious ti- 
tles by which they were designated, have long 
since fallen into disuse. Mr Marshall was a 
Separate, and Mr. Botsford of course ranked 
with the Regulars ; their early friendship must, 
therefore, be regarded as an important circum- 
stance, and no doubt contributed, in a considera- 
ble degree, especially in the Southern States, to 
bring about a happy and lasting union of the two 
orders. During the year 1772, Mr. Botsford's 
labors were blessed in several instances to the 
conversion of souls : Some of these individuals 
were baptized by Mr. Marshall, others by Mr. 
Pelot of Euhaw. 

It was during this year that one or two occur- 
rences took place, which may be a little amusing 
to the reader I give them in the language ol 
Benedict, .who probably derived his information 
from Mr. Botsford himself. " Once on a jaurney 



44 MEMOIRS OP BOTSFORD. 

up to the Kiokee, where Mr Botsford had ap- 
pointed to preach, he called on a Mr. Savidge, to 
inquire the way. This Mr Savidge was then a 
bigotted churchman, but was hopefully acquaint- 
ed with the truth. After he had given the stran- 
ger proper directions, the following conversation 
ensued. c I suppose you are the Baptist Minister, 
who is to preach to-day at the Kiokee.' c Yes 
Sir ; will you go?' c No, 1 am not fond of the 
Baptists ; they think no body is baptized but 
themselves. 5 4 Have you been baptized ?' ' Yes, 
to be sure V . i How do you know.' c How do I 
know ? why, my parents have told me I was.' 
; Then you do not know only by information.' On 
this, Mr. Botsford left him, but c how do you 
know ?' haunted him, till he became convinced of 
his duty. He was baptized by. Mr. Marshall, 
and began to preach the same day he was bap- 
tized, and still continues (18! 3) a useful minister 
amongst the Georgia Baptists.* Botsford's 4 how 
do you know ?' says Mr. Savidge, ' first set me 
to thinking about baptism." 

" In the same journey, in which he fell in with 
Mr. Savidge, he preached at the Court-house, iu 
Burke County The assembly at first paid a de- 
cent attention ; but towards the close of the ser- 
mon, one of them bawled out with a great oath, 
c the rum is come. 7 - Out he rushed ; others follow- 
ed ; the assembly was soon left small, and by the 
time Mr. Botsford got out to his horse, he had 
the unhappiness to find many of his hearers intoxi- 
cated, and fighting. An old gentleman came up 
to him, took his horse by the bridle, and, in his 
profane dialect, most highly extolled both him 
and his discourse, swore he must drink with him, 
and come and preach in his neighbourhood. It 

* Mr Savidge has since entered into bis rest. 



MEMOIRS OF ELDER E©TSFORD. 4o 

was now no time to reason, or reprove ; and as 
preaching was Mr. Botsford's business, he accept- 
ed the old man's invitation, and made an appoint- 
ment. His first sermon was blessed to the awak- 
ening of his wife ; one of his sons also became re- 
ligious, and others in the settlement to the num- 
ber of fifteen, were in a short time hopefully 
brought to the knowledge of the truth ; and the 
old man himself became sober and attentive to 
religion, although he never made a public profes- 
sion of it."* 

At the close of the year 1772, Mr. Botsford 
concluded to leave Tuckaseeking ; he according- 
ly fct preached," as he says, " a kind of a farewell 
sermon." He speaks of this as an affecting time. 
He continued, however, to favour the neighbor- 
hood, for some time, with his occasional services. 
The Church in Charleston, hearing of the suc- 
cess that attended the ministry of Mr. Botsford, 
concluded to call him to ordination. He was ac- 
cordingly ordained on the 14th of March, 1773 ; 
Oliver Hart, and Francis Pelot assisting on the 
occasion. During this year, and the year follow- 
ing, his labors were abundant, and his success 
considerable Soon after his ordination, he com- 
menced baptizing, and by the middle of the fol- 
lowing November, he had baptized 45. " In the 
month of August, 1773," says Mr. Botsford, " I 
rode 650 miles, preached 42 sermons, baptized 
21 persons, and administered the Lord's Supper 
twice. Indeed, I travelled so much this year, 
that .some used to call me the flying preacher." 

The following incident, which occurred on one 
of Mr Botsford's excursions in 1773, may afford 
the reader some entertainment. On the 16th of 
July Mr. Botsford had an appointment to preach 

* Benedict's History of the Baptists, 2d vol. p. 181, JS? 



46 MEMOIRS OF ELDER EOTSFORm 

&t Stephen's Creek, S. C. After preaching, tie 
gave an opportunity for any, who might fee! in- 
clined, to came forward and relate their christian 
experience. Several came forward and gave 
evidence that they were suitable candidates for 
baptism. " On my asking," says Mr. Bctsford, 
" if they wished to be baptized, they all replied 
in the affirmative, except one Mrs .-decker, who 
observed she did not know that her husband would 
permit her. 4 Is he present in the congregation ? f 
* Yes Sir.' c Mr. Clecker, please to come to the 
table.' He came. * Mr. Clecker, I have rea- 
son to hope that your wife is a believer in Christ, 
and she desires to be baptized by immersion, but 
wishes not to do it without your consent ; have 
you any objection to make sir ?' '• No, no, Got for* 
pit I shout hinter my vife, she was one goot vife. 1 
While we were preparing for the water, the lit- 
tle man was in a great rage, and called me 4 a 

goot for noting son i Vaut, to ax me pefore 

all de peeble if he might tip my vife !' But this 
I heard nothing of till afterwards. Coming up 
from the water through an orchard, I saw him 
leaning against a tree by himself, and seemed in 
trouble. I went to him. ' Mr. Clecker, what is 
the matter ?' ' O Sir, I shall go to de tivel, and 
my vife to hefen ; I am a boor lost sinner ; I cant 
be forgifen ; I fear de ground will open and let 
me down to de hell, for I cursed and swore yoa 

vas one goot for noting son of . Lort have 

mercy on me ?" The poor Dutchman professed 
at length to have found peace in believing ; and 
the September following, Mr. Botsford had the 
great satisfaction of baptizing him. 

In November, of the same year, the persons 
who had received baptism from the hands of Mr. 
Botsford, were constituted a church, by the assis- 
tance of Messrs. Hart and Pelot Ibis was call- 



MEMOIKS OP ELDER BOTSFORD. 47 

ed for a while New Savannah, but afterwards it 
assumed the name of Botsford's Old Meeting- 
house, the title which it still bears. This church 
now belongs to the Hepzibah Association : is sit- 
uated in Burke County, about 25 miles below 
Augusta, and is the oldest Baptist Church but one* 
in the State of Georgia. 

This year Mr Botsford married his first wife, 
in Augusta Her maiden name was Susanna Nun; 
she was a native of Cork, Ireland, but had lived 
in America from her childhood Previous to her 
marriage, she had commenced a religious life, 
and been baptized by Mr. Marshall This union 
seemed to have been founded in mutual affection 
and esteem, and was the source of much domestic 
happiness.. By this wife Mr Botsford had six liv- 
ing chijdren, and two still-born. Mary was the 
eldest child ; after she arrived to womanhood, she 
married Mr. Thomas Park, now Professor of the 
learned languages in the South-Carolina College, 
She died in 1828, in the 54th year of her age. 
Sarah Tinckler was the third : she married Mr. 
John Evans of Georgetown, at length buried her 
husband, afterwards became connected with the 
Baptist Church, and finally entered into her rest 
in her 43d year. Jeremiah, an amiable, promi- 
sing youth, was snatched away in his nineteenth 
year ; and the other three children died when 
quite young. They are all gone !— Reader, »o 
not despise this little family record of mortality. 
You perhaps regard it as a trifling and comrn m 
place narration ; but remember, you have once 
more been reminded of the solemn truth, so often 
told, but so little feh and so soon forgotten, " that 
all flesh is grass, that we spend our years as a tale 
that is told. 55 My young readers cheer themselves 

* The Kfokee was constituted the year before, viz, 1773. 



4S MEMOIRS OF ELDER BDTSFORD, 

with the hope of long life ; tv but what is your 
life ?'• dear friends ; " It is even a vapour that 
appeareth for a little time, and then vanifcheth 
away, 5 ' 

'•'Our life is ever on the wing; 

And death is ever nigh ; 
The moment when oui lives begin, 

We all begin to die." 

For some time after Mr. Bctsford left Tucka- 
seeking. he does not appear to have had any par- 
ticular place of residence ; but in May, 17 74, the 
flying preacher perched upon Brier Creek, in the 
County of Burke. Here he purchased some land, 
built him a house, and • t was bettledas he thought, 
for life 3 ' He received but little pecuniary aid 
from the people whom he served, as the) were 
generally poor, and probably had thought but lit- 
tle of the declaration of Christ, that u the labourer 
is worthy of his hire ;" but having received about 
this time, between three and four hundred pounds 
sterling from the estate of his brother in England, 
recently deceased, he was enabled, by a prudent 
disposition of the money, to live comfortably. 

But although Mr. Botsford had found a home, 
he had not found a place of rest. He did not al- 
low the charms and cares of domestic life to quench 
Lis burning love for souls, nor to diminish his ac- 
tivity in his Master's cause. From the taberna- 
cle which he had pitched upon Brier Creek, he 
darted out into many surrounding regions, both ia 
Georgia and South-Carolina, and preacl ed tlje 
gospel of the kingdom with his accustomed fer- 
vour and success. 

On the 2d of February, 1775, Mary, his eldest 
child, was born. Mr. Bctsiord was also called to 
rejoice over sora> ! new-born souls : ti;i- \ aj he 
baptized eight persons \ in the year folio wing 5 ten. 



MEMOIRS OF ELDER EGTSFOR1K 49 

In one of Mr. Botsford's excursions in 1776, he 
was overtaken by a tremendous storm. Whilst 
pursuing his course in the midst of lightning, thun- 
der, wind and rain, his attention was arrested by 
the shrieks and lamentations of a female in great 
distress. The awful scene excited in Mr. Bots- 
ford something like the spirit of poetry ; and 
immediately afterwards he composed the follow- 
ing lines. They are not thrown together with 
much poetic skill ; they are, nevertheless, quite 
solemn, and may, perhaps, excite a serious thought 
in the mind of some careless reader. 

(i The great Jehovah, the eternal God, 

Who shakes all nature with his awful nod, 

Commands the clouds, the clouds obey and rise, 

And spread confusion o'er the darkened skies. 

Though bright the morning; now 'tis veil'd in night • 

Horrible gloom! how awful to my sight! 

Darkness without, and gloomy fears within, 

Presage to me the just desert of sin. 

O where's my Jesus now in time of need? 

Would he appear, he'd be a friend indeed. 

Consider, O my soul, a gracious God ; 

Did he not spare thee from his direful rod, 

When thou didst walk in thy flesh-plea^ng wayS| 

And set thyself against him and his graee ? 

Therefore be not dismay'-d, but in him trust ; 

He is a God, and therefore must be just. 

Has he not promis'd, (he will not gaiosaj,) 

' Lo I am with you, and will be a! way ?' 

Content, my Father; I believe thy word, 

I^ortfeaf the awfui tempest, nor the sword. 

Thus whist I paused to fortify my soul, 

Pehold the furious wind, without control 

Tears- up th;j mi-hfy forest, pine a-.d oak, 

And huib th'-'m down as by &' Almighty stroke, 

5 



bO MEMOIRS OP ELDER BDTSFORth 

Now the tremendous God displays his ire ; 

His lightnings flash in vivid streams of fire; 

His thunders roar arounu the vaulted dome, 

And add new horror to the dreadful gloom. 

"What wild confusion now flies through the skies! 

What awful scenes presented to my eyes! 

Uark! — hark!— what screams!— sure some one's in dis- 
tress; 

I'm not alone here in this wilderness. 

The cry is that of some lost wandering fair: 

See how she wrings her hands ^nd rends her hair I 
Poor soul ! — unused to be exposed to storms, 
The raging voice of conscience now alarms: 

Unpardoned sin novy stares her in the face, 
And now she weeps, because devoid of grace- 
Assemb'y, ball, and dance, she now disdains ; 
Her thoughts <re turned on everlasting pains. 
When drest in gay apparel, and m town, 
Perhaps cpuld run the best of preacher's down ; 
But now expos' d to thunder, lightning, storm, 
Behold ! she prays, though aided by no form. 
Such, O my soul, wiil be the case with those, 
Who do Rot with the dear Redeemer close ; 
When they shall stand at God's tremendous bar } 
Their specious hopes will leave them in despair. 
Then may they seek and pray, but all in vain ; 
The God they slighted, willthem then disdain; 
And in that day his awful wrath shall smoke ; 
Ife-11 blast them from his presence with a stroke 
Of his almighty arm, down into hell, 
With damned souls and devils there to dwell. 
Then you, who read these lines, repent and turn, 
Lest he, that made you, doom you there to burn" 

In the year 1777 Mrs. Botsford presented her 
husbaud witji their first bora son. In the same 



MEMOIRS OP ELDER BOTSFORD. 51 

year alsd, Zi >n travailed and brought forth chil- 
dren: there was a precious revival und^r the 
ministry of Mr Botsford, and 45 were add ed to* 
the church. The year folio ving Mr Botsford 
baptized eight persons. 

About this time the horrors of the Revolutions- 
ry war began to be seriously felt in the province 
of Georgia. At length Savannah is taken by the* 
enemy ; Sunburv surrenders to General Provost ; 
General Ash is defeated on Brier Creek ; and the 
whole Province is brought under the power of tho 
Biitisharms On the defeat of General Ash, Mr. 
Botsford found it necessary to betake himself to 
flight There was no time to be lost. He took 
with him his wife and three children, the youngest, 
(a daughter) being not then two months old ; and 
a negro man. So precipitate was their flight, that 
they had only time to snatch off with them two> 
horses and a cart, containing a single bed, one blan- 
ket and a sheet, thrown in for the children to sit 
upon. This was in the spring of 1779. Thus, 
after having carried the gospel into many be- 
nighted neighbourhoods, sown much precious 
seed, baptized 148 persons, reared up a flour- 
ishing church, and prepared the materials for fu- 
ture churches, so iliat he might justly be regarded 
(if we except the indefatigable Marshall,) as the 
principal founder of the Baptist interest in Geor- 
gia, Mr Botsford hurries from the Province an 
unprotected fugitive, no more to find a permanent 
abode in the region of his early labours. 



^2 flCEMOIKS OF ELDER BOTSFORD, > 

CHAPTER IV. 

ijlfr- Botsford finds a refuge^— The Baptists Patrfc 
otic — He joins the army as chaplain — Anecdotes- 
Removes to Pedee — Flies to Virginia — Mrs. 
JZotsford sets off in search of him — They meet in 
North Carolina — Jljtcr a short residence in Vir- 
ginia they return to Pedee* 

c Unprotected?' No; the Lord took care of hi& 
faithful servant, the mother, and the little ones. 
Massing into South Carolina, they found an asylum 
in the hospitable dwelling of Mr. Arthur Srmkins.* 
Mr. Botsford, referring to the losses and sufferings 
of himself and family, makes the following patrio- 
tic remark: " Notwithstanding we had lost our 
all, I do not remember that I ever felt an uneasy 
Ihought, nor did my wife ever express the least 
uneasiness Indeed, instead of murmuring, it was 
rather a matter of boasting that we had suffered 
so much in the cause of our country." From this 
it appears, that Mr. Botsford had heartily em- 
braced the American cause, and as we pursue his 
history, we shall perceive that throughout the 
whole Revolutionary struggle, he was an ardent 
and unwavering friend to his country. And the 
same may be said of the Baptists generally, in that 
dark day. There w r ere but few Baptist tories. 
In espousing the cause of liberty, they were influ- 
enced by high and holy motives. They had an eye, 
not only to the temporal interests of the land, but 
to the rights of conscience, the prosperity of their 
churches, and the general interests of the Re- 
cjeemer's kingdom. — From time immemorial, 

* This worthy and venerable man, cherished with peculiar 
affection, to bis dying da/, the memory of Botsford; bis pi- 
ous and patriotic gnest> 



MEMOIRS OF ELDER BOTSFORD.- S3 

the Baptists bad suffered much from the unholy 
encroachments of ecclesiastical power. At a pe- 
riod as late and enlightened as that of our Revolu- 
tion, there was not a country on the globe where 
they fully enjoyed the rights of men. Even ia 
America, the boasted asylum of the persecuted 
and oppressed, they found no certain rest ; they 
were loaded down with legal disabilities ; they 
were taxed, dragged before magistrates, forbid- 
den to preach ; sometimes banished, sometimes 
scourged, and sometimes compelled to preach th© 
doctrines of Jesus, if preach they durst, through 
the iron grates of dungeons. Was it strange, 
therefore, that they should have been the inflexi- 
ble champions of civil and religious liberty ? In 
supporting the Revolutionary cause, they wera 
animated by the hope, that, were God to crown 
with success the efforts of our countrymen, the 
laws of the land would undergo such modification 
and improvement, as would secure to them and 
to every other sect, lhat which they had so long 
prayed for, the privilege of being let alone They 
desired the interference of the civil arm no fur- 
ther than to protect them in the free and uninter- 
rupted enjoyment of their religious rights, instead 
.of prescribing laws to conscience, and oppressing 
them with pious taxes, w T rits and scourgings.. 
Thanks be to God, the great object for which tney 
toiled and suffered and prayed, has at length been 
secured. 

Soon after Mr Botsford fled from Georgia, he 
received an invitation from General Williamson to 
join his brigade, in the capacity of chaplain ; this 
invitation was accepted, and he continued with the 
army several months. — It was, perhaps, whilst 
Mr Botsford was connected with the army, that 
one or two trilling incidents occurred ; too trifling, 
the reader will probably think, to be recorded 
5< : 



34 MEMOIRS OF ELDER BOTSFOSB. 

yet as they may light up on his face a harmless 
smile, whilst he is pursuing this narrative, which 
is beginning to assume a sad and- mournful aspect, 
I will nevertheless relate them. 

In those days and regions, to which our narrative 
now refers, there were but few pulpits and meet- 
ing houses. But the zealous preachers of those 
days were plain men, and easily satisfied. Fields 
and groves were their temples ; the heavens their 
sounding board ; and stages constructed of rough 
boards ; or even stumps, logs, and barrels, afloided 
convenient and acceptable pulpits from which to 
harangue their congregations. At a certain time, 
Mr. Botsford ascended a barrel. He had made 
acme progress in his sermon, when, either incon- 
sequence of some radical defect in the barrel, or 
the vehement emphasis of the foot, with which he 
accompanied his address, (a thing quite common 
with our zealous fathers) all at once the head of the 
barrel gave way, and the preacher descended with 
It. it does not appear, however, that he was divert- 
ed from his upright posture, or that this misfortune 
essentially deranged the thread of his discourse. 

At another time, the gravity of the preacher 
and of his congregation, was put to a severer trial 
still. They were assembled in a grove, or field. 
During the progress of the sermon, one of the 
distant, outside hearers, had so far forgotten that 
..t was his business to listen attentively to the 
preacher, that he allowed himself to become quite 
drowsy. At length he began to nod. A large 
surly goat, that was nibbling grass hard by, hap* 
pened to notice the sleeper, and interpreted the 
nodding of his head as a challenge for battle. The 
animal approached and retired ; approached a- 
gain, and again retired, as though doubtful wheth- 
er the gentleman was in earnest. But the sleep- 
er continued to noch and the animal at length be- 






MEMOIRS OF ELDER E0TSF0HD, 56 

feame seriously enraged,. lie 1-ook a martial posi- 
tion shook his head in anger, and then darted for- 
ward with fury, and laid the sleeper low. Many 
of the congregation smiled ; and the preacher, who 
was so situated as to be obliged to witness the 
whole transaction, coultl not -'find it in his heart to 
reprove them. There can be no doubt that the 
drowsy gentleman was more impressed by the as- 
sault of the goat, than by the sermon of the 
preacher. 

Whilst connected with the army as Chaplain, Mi*. 
Botsford received an invitation from the Welsh 
Neck Church, on the Pedee, to remove to their 
neighbourhood, and become their spiritual guide. 
This call he felt it his duty to accept. He visit- 
ed the church in October, preached amongst them 
a few sermons, and received from this hospitable 
people many demonstrations of their kindness and 
affection. They made every arrangement ne- 
cessary to effect the comfortable removal of his 
family, and accordingly, in November, he return- 
ed to Mr. Sinikias', where his wife and children 
were still living, and conducted them on to their 
new place of residence. They now found them- 
selves in the bosom of kind and generous friends. 
Though, by the calamities of war, they had been 
reduced to great distress, yet now by the liberal 
exertions of their new acquaintances, they had 
all things and abounded. u Never,'' says Mr. 
Botsford, "was greater kindness shown to any one 
in distress. Myself and family were provided 
with every comfort, and that in abundance. 7 ' 

Mr. Botsford's predecessor was the celebrated 
Mr. Winchester, under whose ministry there had 
been an unusual excitement, and between three 
and four hundred had been added to the Church, 
This Mr. Winchester, as is well known, after- 
wards apostatized from the faith, and became a 



0\j UEMOIRS OF ELDER EOTSFORB 

champion cf the doctrine of Universal salvation 
But Mr. Botsford had not yet round a safe and 
quiet resting place. The alarms of war a 
invade his domestic enjoyments, and compel him 
to provide for his personal safety inflight. Charles- 
ton had fallen into the hands of the British, and 
the victorious army advance. Mr. Bots fiord 
not raised the musket, but he had fought with his 
by his warm appeals, urged forward 
his countrymen to a manly vindication of their 
arrogant claims, and formida- 
ble invasion of the mother country. He had now 
me too conspicuous for his patriotism and love 
of liberty, to render it safe to trust himself in the 
hands of the lories, or British. And besides, he 
was an Englishman himself, and this made him a 
rebel of the highest grade. He set off in compa- 
ny with his s Father Hart' for Virginia, in the 
expectation, however, of soon being enabled to 
return in peace to his beloved family. On the 
28th cf June, 1780, they arrived at a brothers 
of Mr. Hart, in Rockingham County, and remain- 
ed tnere till the September following. In the 
mean time. General Gates had been defeated at 
Camden, and South Carolina was considered a 
Mr. Botsford took it for grant- 
ed, that, under such circumstances, his wife wculd 
not expect him to return, and he also thought it 
lable that she might leave home in pursuit cf 
him. He therefore travelled on towards South 
Carolina, hoping to meet her on the way. Id the 
mean time, Mrs. Botsford, with a cart, two hor- 
»gro man, and such necessary articles 
] conveniently carry, set oif in pursuit 
r husband, as he had anticipated. She pur- 
sued her journey as far as Tar River in North 
Carol 3 there tarried for a si e for the 

purpes? of malting some imjuiriesTorher ^biCnt hue- 



Memoirs op elder botsford* o7 

ban J. She hired a man to visit a Baptist Associa^ 
tion, which held a meeting; not far distant, to *ee 
what information could be collected ; but he, 
faithless, hard hearted wretch, having received, 
in advance, a part of his hire, gave himself no 
farther concern in the matter. In a few weeks 
after this, news reached her that Mr. Botsford 
was sick at a great distance from her in Virginia.; 
and this was followed by what appeared to be a 
well authenticated report, that he was actually 
dead. She was now in great distress. As soon 
as she could make the necessary preparation, she 
set off on her return to Pedee, intending on the 
following Spring, to return to her former resi- 
dence in Georgia. Soon after she had re-crossed 
th^. Neuse, her son Edmund, being about four 
years of age, was violently seized with the Cho- 
lera-morbus, and expired in her lap, as -she was 
travelling on the way. Poor woman ! what now 
must have been her anguish ! Her heart bleed- 
ing with the recent intelligence that her d^ar 
husband was no more — the corpse of her only son 
in her arms-- travelling along a dreary road, 
a friendless unprotected female. Surely, under 
such circumstances, strangers will show her pity. 
No, she meets with no sympathising stranger, but 
soon finds herself in a den of tigers. She stopped 
at the first dwelling which carne in her way, avid 
was allowed the use of a little, uncomfortable 
loom-house. Here she remained, until she had 
seen her child hidden from her sight by the clods 
of a neighbouring burying ground. The man of 
the house treated her with great inhumanity, a- 
busing her for being the wife of a rebel ; and for 
the use of the loom-house, and a little water to 
drink, he demanded of her two dollars, being the 
only silver which she had in her possession. 

44 There is no fle&h in man's obdurate heart; 

1* docs not teel (ov mil 



S3 MEMOIRS OF ELDER BOTSFORD. 

We know but little, my young friends, of what 
our aged fathers and mothers suffered, in those 
days of darkness and peril. How thankful should 
we be, that we are allowed to live in such plea- 
sant, peaceful times. 

Mrs. Botsford paid the demand of her cruel 
landlord, and with a sorrowful heart went on her 
tvay. On the morning of the following day, Mr. 
Botsford heard of his family, and in a few hours, 
he was so fortunate as to overtake them. " It 
was," says he, "a joyful, sorrowful meeting." 
Mrs. Botsford received het 4 husband again as alive 
from the dead, whilst he rejoiced to see once 
inore his companion* who had been safely preserv- 
ed through so many dangers ; but their mutual joy 
was somewhat damped by their mingled tears for 
the death of their dear little Edmund. The poor 
negro was almost frantic upon seeing once more 
his kind master. He jumped, hallowed, fell 
down, embraced his master's feet, and in every 
possible way gave vent to his joy. 

Mr. Botsford now returned with his family to 
Virginia. He rented a small house in Brunswick 
County, for the accommodation of his family, 
whilst he was diligently employed in preaching 
the gospel in the surrounding country. ; God rais- 
ed him up many friends, who kindly administered 
to his wants. In September, 1780, he visited a 
respectable and wealthy neighbourhood, called 
the Northern Neck, where there had been a great 
revival of religion, and which, indeed, had not yet 
wholly subsided. A gentleman kindly offered to 
bear his expenses to the place, and back again, if 
needful. In this region he preached with much 
acceptance, experienced great kindness, and had 
some very flattering invitations from the inhabi- 
tants to take up his abode amongst them. But 
his affections were fixed on " dear Carolina."— 



MEMOIRS OF ELDER BOTSFORD. 61! 

Speaking of this excursion, Mr. Botsford says, * 4 it 
was a pleasant and profitable journey I return- 
ed to my family a few days before the surrender 
of Cornwallis, and his army, and I may ruly say, 
my little horse was loaded with the benefactions 
of friends." Soon after his return, Mrs. Botsford 
presented him with another son -%* 

G^njM^dJ^ 
Sou. h-Carolina ; Cornwallis had surrendered, and: 
MlT ,a BTn r sTord now thought it safe to return " On 
the 3d of December, (nSl) 1 ' says he, "we set off 
for d= ar Carolina in company with the families of 
Col. Hicks, and Capt. Benjamin Hicks. My wife 
was very low, but desirous of returning. After a 
tedious jourmy of 28 days, we arrived safe in 
Carolina " On his return, Mr. Botsford found 
tfvery thing in a wretched, distracted condition. 
4i The war had made sad havoc of friends and pro- 
perty ; and as for religion, it was almost forgot- 
ten." The prospect of peace, however, cast a 
few rays of cheering light into the dismal 
gloom, and amidst the wreck of property, the 
prostration of fond hopes, and the weeping and 
lamentation for fathers, sons, and brothers slain, 
caused the voice of joy and gladness once more to 
be heard 

Mr. Botsford dwells with grateful emotions on 
that kindness, which the Lord had manifested' to 
himself and family, during this dark and periluiis 
struggle. They had found many friends, and ne- 
ver, for a single day, had they been without food 
and raiment. " We frequently, " says he, u met 
with kindness, when and where we least expect- 
ed it. In my greatest difficulties, I never regretted 
engaging on the ^ide of my country. In America 
I had embraced religion, married a wife, had 
children* experienced great kindness, and in Ame- 
rica I intended to cud my days. I considered 



HO MEMOIRS OF ELDER BOTSFORD, 

the war on the side of Britain unjust, and there- 
fore felt myself justifiable in my opposition to that 
country I hope 1 am thankful to God for bring- 
ing us safely through a long and cruel war, and for 
establishing us a free and independent nation I 
feel truly thankful to God for all his mercies to- 
ward*', myself and family; and hope I shall never 
forget the kindness of several persons, who assist- 
ed me and mine in distress. God grant tha*t I may 
spend the residue of my days, as one who consi- 
ders himself bound by a thousand obligations, to 
devote himself and all he has and ever shall have, 
to the service of his Redeemer, " 



CHAPTER V. 



iMr. Botsford takes the pastoral charge of the Welsh 
JSTec.k Church — Applies himself to study — Pays 
several visits to Charleston, .and labours icith suc- 
cess- ■ Incorporation — J\Jrs. Botsjord dies—Ji re- 
vival — Marries his second wije -She dies — lie- 
moves to Georgetown. 

It appears that Mr. Botsford had hitherto labor* 
ed at Welsh Neck, only in the character of a sup- 
ply ; but soon afteHiis return from Virginia, ho 
received a formal call to take the pastoral charge 
of the Church. As there was but little prospect 
of his being able soon to return to his possessions 
and church in Georgia, he concluded to accept of 
the call.-^On a tract of land presented him by a 
Mr. Brown, the church erected for him a com- 
fortable house. His location was on the South 
west side of the Pedee, about two miles from the 
meetinghouse ; and received from its possessor 
the tiame of Bethel, The epithet was nopropri- 






MEMOIRS OF ELDER B0TSF0RD. 61 

tfe, for the good man's house was, no doubt, the 
house ot God, a place where Jehovah was honor* 
ed, and where he made known his truth and nier* 

Previous to Mr. Bots ford's entering the minis- 
try, his advantages for mental improvement had 
been quite limited ; and for many years after, his 
active missionary life, and particularly the dis- 
tracting scenes of the Revolutionary struggle, 
rendered it difficult for him to find much leisure 
for systematic application to study ; but as soon as 
he found himself quietly settled, he endeavoured, 
as well as he could, to supply his defieiences by a 
course of useful reading and study. In a letter 
to his 'Father Hart,' "dated Julv 11, 178.2, ho 
thus refers to this suhj ct : u I have begun to stu- 
dy very closely of late ; but my father, how 
do I lament the misimprovement of tlwse golcleu 
opportunities f once was favoured with. Howe- 
ver, th^y are now forever gone, and it now re- 
mains that f redeem the time with double dili- 
gence 1 perceive that I have a large hud lie 
of something in my head, but no order, no meth- 
od. I have so<ne notion of Geography, something 
of History, a little of Natural and Moral Philoso- 
phy ; dare I mention Logic and Rhetoric ? I 
must add Divinity, doctrinal and practical, and 
many other things, I might mention, that I have 
touched on; but alas! the little knowledg I 
have/ is jumbled together like the pieces of silk 
in the flasks you have seen hung up in h<*uS' s to 
divert the flies. However, I aid endeavoring to 
reduce to order this medley. Study is not now a 
task, but my delight, and I am favored with somb 
good authors, ancient and modem, I think, it' I 
know my heart, my principal lim is, the good of 
my fellow creatures, and the glory of Uod; i 
need not inform you that telf sometimes creeps 
6 



62 iiE&OlkS OF ELDER JBOTSFORD. 

En ; neither need I add, that, too often, he is 

made a welcome guest." 

This year he preached a sermon which excited 
some interest, and a copy of it was earnestly so- 
licited for the press. In the same letter, from 
which we have just given an extract, Mr. Bots- 
jford alludes to. this- circumstance, and also gives 
an outline of the singular sermon. u Would 
you believe," says he, "that I have been solicit- 
ed to print a sermon I preached awhile ago? — 
* O the vanity of rny Son !' You may say so if 
you please, for I will own to you, that 1 have va- 
nity, and not a little ; but not so much as to think 
any production of mine worthy the press. Dont 
fear. Father ; your son will be on his guard a- 
gainst such flattery. If 1 had not been requested 
i>y some gentlemen of learning for a copy, I should 
have thought less of it. ' Now he's going.' No, 
jstop : dont fear I say. I have found all out. It 
*vas the oddity of the sermon, that excited curi- 
osity. Suppose, that, in the height of my pride, 
(all things agreeing) it had gone to press ; the 
consequer.ee is plain ; I should then have been 

known from north to south as a dunce, not to 

say worse, I doubt not but some of the persons 
who heard it, and were so taken with it, would 
have been ashamed of it in print." 

After giving an outline Of the sermon, Mr* 
JBctsford adds : 

"Now dont my father say, c a mountain la- 
bours, and a mouse comes forth ?' You may 
tUink all is not quite right with me, when 1 tell 
you 1 have "not been to see Daddy Pugh about it. 
I expect a drubbing from him. ' Well, enough 
(about nothing, my son.'." 

It was during this year, that several members 
rf the Welsh-Neck Church, living at a considera- 
ble distance from the regular place of worship* 



MEMOIRS OF ELDER BGTSFORB, 6.3 

Were dismissed and constituted a separate church 
at Cheraw Hill. Mr. Joshua Lewis, who had 
occasionally supplied the Welsh N<?ck Church du- 
ring the absence of Mr Botsford, was chosea 
their Pastor. 

In 1783, Mr. Botsford paid a visit to Georgia, 
and also to Charleston. In the latter pla.ce, his 
labours at this time, and on his visits for several 
successive years, were eminent!; biased in re- 
viving the interests of the Baptist deno^ii uiiion. 
During the Revolutionary war, the- ancient and 
respectable Baptist Church hi Charles on, had 
been thrown into great confusion. Public wor- 
ship had been suspended, thfc members much 
scattered abroad, and the Meeting-house convert- 
ed into a hospital for the British soldiery. Dur- 
ing Mr Botsford's visit in 1783, he searched out 
a few of the male members, and engaged them to 
fit up the house for worship; after which, lib 
preached several discourses to a pretty numerous 
congregation. In 1784, he began to meet ivith 
some success within the sphere of his labours at. 
home,, and also in Charleston on his second visit* 
At both places, he had the happiness, this year., 
of burying with Christ in baptism twenty hopeful 
converts. He also had the paiu of burying, be- 
neath the clods of the valley, his fifth child, a 
Jittlo daughter five months old. In 1785, he bap- 
tized twenty persons, several of them in Charles- 
ton on his third visit to that place. In a letter: 
dated Charleston, March 30,. 1785, he thus writes 
to his ' Father Hart :' u I have been here six: 
Lord's days, and have to stay two more ; have 
baptized two, and expect to baptize others before 
I leave town. There is a pretty good work be ■ 
gun. I have preached i 1 sermons, go from house 
to house, and blessed be («od, sweet tiaics wo 
have. I have time to write but a few Hues ,. 



04 MEMOIRS OP ELBER BOTSFORD. 

Indeed I have hardly enjoyed an hour to myself 
since I have been in town. Numbers of blacks 
come to see me, and some whites ; and many I 
I must go and see. I doubt not that if there were* 
a minister settled here, there would soon be a 
flourishing Church. Who would have thought 
that your poor son Botsford would have been 
owned as an instrument to bring souls to the 
Charleston Church ? I find the heart is the same 
in Charleston, as in the country. Crowds attend 
public meetings, which are held three times on 
Lord's days, and on Wednesday evenings ; every 
other evening we have meetings at private 
houses, in which I have introduced praying for those 
poor distressed souls who ask." In a letter of 
still later date, Mr. Botsford writes : '." I came 
home the 16th of April. In town I baptized 5 
whites and 6 blacks, administered the communion 
twice, preached 81 sermons, and had I been at li- 
berty would have taken up my abode in Charles- 
ton. 4 There now is vanity.' The last sentence 
I suppose spoils all with my father, I cant help 
that, it is the truth ; not that I would have been 
in the way of any minister who might have come. 
Town is large, very full of people and very wick- 
ed ; and not half places, of worship enough for the 

inhabitants 

u Well, now I have. said my say ; but remem- 
ber, it is in my study at Pedee I talk thus: poor 
sou! ! when I stand up in town before three or 
four hundred people, I sometimes quake again." 
In the same letter Mr. Botsford gives some ac- 
count of his past labours. " 1 have preached," 
says he, u 2328 sermons, have baptized 180 per- 
sons, rode upwards of 75,000 miles, and married 
about 100 couples." He then makes the follow* 
ing pious reflections, li But my Father, I dare 
Tuot sav I have done one of those acts free from sin. 



MEMOIRS OF ELDER BOTSFORD 66 



"o 



I may justly say, in me dwelleth no good thing 
I am an unprofitable servant. If ever I reach the 
heavenly land, it must be by virtue of a better 

righteousness than my own, or -'s either, or 

any man's living, or that ever did live, except the 
man. Christ Jesus, in whose most glorious and spot- 
less robe I ever wish to be found. Confident I 
am, I shall surely be damned, if I have nothing 
but my own performances to commend me to the 
Deity. Surely, those who expect heaven by their 
own works, must either, have better hearts than 
mine is, or else are ignorant of the deceitfulness 

of theirs. I hope your son Botsford will 

be kept by the Lord from bringing any disgrace 
on his dear, his honoured father, and the cause of 
Christ ; though he hectors and swaggers some- 
times in his study. Do pray for me, I now 

begin to cool a little, being as you may see above f 
in the 40th year of my age ; but yet too fiery Mot 
constitutions dont last long ; so I expect I have nof 
long to live. May I live to God's glory, and the 
good of his people ; and when I die, may I meet 
my father in glory." 

During this visit to Charleston in 1788, Mr. 
Botsford speaks of having much satisfaction in 
preaching to the negroes, and gives an encouraging 
representation of the progress of God's work. In 
a letter to Mr. Hart, he refers to this visit, to 
the conversion of one of Mr. Hart's sons, and to 
some other interesting particulars. A few ex- 
tracts may not be unexceptable to the reader. 
< c At this time we are very languid in religion at: 
this place J but the work of the Lord prospers iu 
Charleston. I baptized six persons in December 
last, and Mr. Fur man a few weeks ago baptized 

eleven. Mr. Furman has not yet concluded. 

to settle in town, but I believe he will ere long. 
He writes thus Co me, Jan- Slst. <I remain in 



6ti MEMOIRS OP ELDER BOTSFOR», 

great perplexity about removing to Charleston, 
and for that reason should be glad if Mr. Bain- 
bridge could come to the Hills as soon aspossiblej 
as I think it might be a means of opening the way 

of duty to both him and myself.' 

" The other week I received a letter from Mr„ 
Joseph Barnes, the son of the old lady with whom 
3 lived, and whom you have heard me talk so 
snuch of. The old lady has gone to heaven ; most 
of my acquaintances, who were in years when I 
3eft England, are now in eternity. Many, who 
tvere in affluent circumstances when I came away, 
are now reduced to poverty. ■ What a 

changeable world ! 

^ This day, (Feb. 24th) I received accounts 
jfrom town that- Capt. Hart and -wife, and some 
others, have been baptized. I heartily congratu- 
late my honored father. Whatever you may 
liave known, tec all knew J. to have been the 
wildest of Mr. Hart's children. God's name be 
praised. Husband and wife ! May God enable 

them to walk like Zacharias and Elizabeth. 

How often have I prayed for Mr. Hart's children ; 

aye, and Mrs. Hart's children too. When 

in town last Winter, I heard of the conversion of 
one of Mr. G's. children ; it pleased me ; but I 
thought how much more should I rejoice to hear 
of the conversion of one of Mr. Hart's. Well, 
.now it is come to pass. You rejoice with fear 
•and trembling ; that is the right way to rejoice. 

my father, I am not fit, at present, to write to 
you ; but you must excuse the overflowing of my 
heart. Consider, it is no small matter ; the con- 
version of a soul I Why, all heaven rang with the 
mews. Remember, it is the conversion of the son 
of a inan I regard above all men on earth. But 

1 must conclude. Love to you all. Grace and 
jeaee be vuth you ail, my father, pray for 



Memoirs op elder eotsford. 67 

me ; pray for cny family ; pray for the people I 
serve, and take encouragement' to trust in God 
that your latter end will he the best." 

As we have been speaking of Mr. Botsford's 
useful labors in Charleston, it might not be impro- 
per here to add, that during his visit to that place 
in 1785, he commenced the practice of preaching 
to children, and this he continued on his subsequent 
visits, until Dr. Fur man was settled as the pastor 
of the church in 1787 Several of these children 
afterwards became hopeful subjects of grace, and 
Were added to the Baptist Church : one of which 
was Mr. Charles O Scriven, who at length be- 
came a highly respected minister .of the gospel, 
laboured many years in the State of Georgia, and 
a short time since entered into his rest. On the 
whole, it appears that the faithful labours of Mr, 
Botsford formed an important era in the history 
of the Charleston Baptist Church. He aided 
much in collecting its scattered materials, reor- 
ganizing and augmenting its ranks, and- preparing 
the way for that distinguished individual, who af- 
terwards became its pastor, and with whose emi- 
nently useful and able ministry it was favoured 
for thirty-eight years. 

In 1778, being the year subsequent to Mr. Fur- 
man's settlement in Charleston, he visited the city 
again, preached fifty-four sermons, and received 
presents from his kind friends, which, at home, 
would have cast him nearly out hundred and ciglity 
dollars. 

At the meeting of the Charleston Association in 
the fall of 1787, a proposition was made for the 
consideration of that body, which produced some 
little excitement, and for several successive annu- 
al meetings of the Association, was advocated by 
some and opposed by others, with much warmth, 
It was the desire of some to raise, an Association 



63 MEMOIRS OF ELDER BOTSFORD, 

fund, the proceeds of which should be expended 
in the education of indigent, pious young men, 
called of God to the gospel ministry ; and that this 
fund might be secured and managed to the best 
advantage, it was proposed that the Association 
should apply to the Legislature for an act of in- 
corporation. Mr. Botsford, with others, was 
much opposed to this latter scheme. He conten- 
ded, that the Association was purely and strictly 
an advisory council, that this important feature 
should be sacredly guarded ; but that it would be 
destroyed by investing the body with corporate 
powers, and therefore he was obliged to oppose 
the measure. *He did not probably take a proper 
view of the subject ; but it was by no means sur- 
prising that our pious fathers should have exer- 
cised a severe and rigid jealousy over the rights 
of the churches, in these eaFly days, and that they 
should at first have looked with dread upon many 
measures, which, at present, are regarded as not 
only harmless, but useful and necessary. Those 
were the days of experiment. It was a time when 
the just province of christian discretion and expe- 
diency, with regard to matters not expressly pro- 
vided for in the Scriptures, was not so fully un- 
derstood as at present. And besides, the atten- 
tion of our fathers had been much directed, by the 
circumstances of the times, to the origin and pro- 
gress of eccJesiastical corruption ; they had long 
groaned and writhed under the exercise of usurp- 
ed authority and spiritual oppression, and this ren- 
dered them keenly sensitive, whenever measures 
were proposed that seemed to wear the appear- 
ance of novelty, and the full scope and bearing of 
which they did not fully understand- 
But Mr. Botsford .did not oppose the measure 
we are now cgnsidering, nor any other, for oppo- 
sition sake* Throughout the whole affair, \ve see 



MEMOIRS OP ELDEfc BOTSFORD. 69 

touch of the conscientious christian At first, hfc 
opposed it from a sense of duty. When he disco- 
vered that, in some respects, he had manifested 
too much warmth, particularly in his private cor- 
respondence with Mr. Hart, he frankly acknowl- 
edged that he had ct considerable mercury in his 
constitution ;" and expressed the most unfeigned 
regret, that he should have said or clone any thing 
heedlessly, to injure his father's feelings. When 
he had it in his power to have effected a division 
in the Association, he manifested no disposition to 
avail himself of the opportunity, but was for peace 
and union. When his ' Father Hart 5 attributed 
his opposition to the incorporation of the Associa- 
tion to tceakness; he pleasantly replied, " the 
same cause to which I attribute it myself." Af- 
ter he bagan to entertain some doubts as to the 
propriety of his opposition, he resolves to act upon 
the christian principle of forbearance. In a letter 
to Dr. Furman, he mentions asayi g of Mr. Pelot; 
" In doubtful things forbear ;" and says he will 
forbear on the matter of incorporation. "1. For- 
bear hard thoughts of my brethren. 2. Forbear 
hard words. 3. Forbear acting. A And rather 
than give offence, forbear speaking and writing 
anything more about it " Were all Christians 
to pursue this course in doubtful matters, how 
much confusion might be prevented in the church- 
es of Christ. Still Mr. BoUford acknowledged 
that it was to him a perplexing subject : M I have 
been baptized," says he, "above 22 year* ; a 
preacher above 18 ; and an ordained minister 
something more than 18 ; in all which time I have 
met with nothing that ha* perplexed me like this 
same incorporation." But, says he, in a letter to 
Mr. Hart, "the truth is, I suspect I may be 
Wrong, and therefore submit." 

The Association; however, was not incorporat- 



70 MEMOIRS OP ELDER BOTSFORD. 

cd ; but a distinct body was organized and incor* 
porated, called " The General Committee for 
the Charleston Baptist Education Fund ';" which 
consists of a delegate from each church that' con- 
tributes to its funds, and which me-ets at the same 
time and place with the Association. It appears 
from the first, that Mr. Botsford was never op- 
posed to a plan like this rand when the body was 
organized, he was one of the committee that join- 
ed in petitioning for its incorporation, and after- 
wards he aided in collecting money to increase its 
funds. u And even should it be thought proper 
at some future time," says he " to apply for in- 
corporation for the Association, I shall by no 
means oppose, but rather be active in it." The 
above circumstances are related, for the purpose 
of illustrating the honesty and ingenuousness of 
Mr. Botsford 

In the year 1788, Mr. Botsford's sixth living 
child, Nancy Nunn, was born. During this yeir* 
the two years previous, and the year following he 
travelled considerably, "preached in a variety 
of places," and baptized 25 persons. 

At length a year of trial came. " The year 
1790," says Mr. Botsford in his memoirs, " was 
the most trying year I had ever experienced. — 
My dear wife departed this life, March 9th, aged 
39 years. Her sickness was short, but very se- 
vere ; which she bore with great patience, and 
was quite resigned. We had lived together be- 
tween sixteen and seventeen years. She had 
borne me 8 children. She was an affectionate 
wife, a tender mother, and a humane mistress. 
When she died, the whole world seemed dead to 
me. Of all the losses I had sustained, none was 
like the loss of her. Her memory is still, and 
ever will be, dear to me." In a letter to his 



MEM0I1&S OP ELDER BOTSFOUD. 71 

•Father Hart,' he gives a more particular ac- 
count of his affliction. 

« Beth I April 6, 1790. 

" Rev. and Honored Sir. — Of all the trials I 
have experienced, the one I am now groaning un- 
der is the most severe. It is no less than the 
loss of my dear Mrs. Botsford. She departed 
this life on the '9th ult. She was seized with a 
violent cough, which terminated in a nervous con- 
sumption, and inflamation of the bowels. She was 
confined- to her bed about two weeks ; proper me- 
dical assistance was not wanting ; prayers from 
our many friends were, I believe, sincerely ad- 
dressed to heaven for her ; but God saw fit to is- 
sue the mandate to surrender life. She was fa- 
voured with the exercise of her reason, I believe 
to i be last moment ; though through extreme 
Weakness and obstructing phlegm, was not able to 
articulate so as to be understood for the last twenty 
hours. Some of the last expressions which we 
understood were, l I am quite calm and resigned 
— all my dependence is on Christ alone for salva- 
tion. Dont grieve for me V The last words I 
perfectly understood were, c death is hard work, 
but it will be soon over. On being asked at that 
time if she had comfort in her soul, she plainly 
replied, c yes, yes. 5 

u my father ! my father ! no one, that has 
not been exercised in the same way, can have any 
conception of what I feel. I loved my wife ; per- 
haps J thought too much of her. But she is gone, 
never more to return ; and I am left to mourn 
and grieve a little longer. 1 am happy to inform 
you, that 1 have met with every consolation which 
a numerous acquaintance could afford, both in her 
sickness, and since her departure ; and God has 
been gracious to me, or I had certainly lost my 
,4 s. O my father f pray for me. write to 



^0 MEMOfRS OF ELDEU BOTSFORDr 

me. Pray for me, that I may be kept from act- 
ing imprudently in this trying season. My dear 
children, through mercy, are well ; Poiiy be- 
haves with uncommon prudence. My full, dis- 
tressed soul will not permit me to add more, but 
that Mrs. E. and Polly join me in love to you and 
Mrs. Hart. 

I remain, dear Sir, your very distressed son in 
the Gospel,' EDMUND BOTSFORD." 

Thus the 'good man was called to pass through 
deep waters ; but though brought low by this 
heavy chastisement, the Lord in mercy helped 
him. 

In a Postcript to a letter to Dr. F-urman of 
Charleston, dated 25th April, he thus writes: — " I 
cannot seal up this, without informing you of some 
experiences of last night. I was very poorly in the 
evening with a pain in my head, and went to bed 
about eight o'clock. 1 soon fell asleep and awoke, 
1 believe about ten, perfectly easy As I could 
not get to sleep again, I set myself to wrestle with 
God, first for my own soul,. and soon began to find 
a very great earnestness and familiarity with God. 
My desires were soon extended to my children, 
my neighbours, acquaintaa es, our church, the 
churches in general, the cause of God universally. 

how sweetly was I employed for an hour or 
two. 1 then ran through the transactions of my 
W T hole life, particularly my christian life, ministe- 
rial life, conjugal life, and widowed life; and I 
think I never found such sweet submission to the 
will of God in mj whole life, such desires for the 
conversion of souls, for the revival ofmy christian 
brethren, and all with such soul humbling views 
and submission to God as I cannot describe My 
dear brother was not forgotten in this, (what shall 

1 coil it) restoration. I cheerfully gave up my 
dear Mrs. B.; nay, I gave up my children, myself* 



MEMOIRS OF ELDER BOTSFORD. 33 

/i»y all, to ray Gcd. my brother, this last Right 
has been a time of love, a time of light, a night 
lie re r to be forgotten by your unworthy brother 
and fellow-labourer in our Master's vineyard." 

Under date of May 19th, in the Postscript to a 
letter to Mr. Hart, Mr. Botsfordvvrit.es as foL 
lows. — " Not haviug an opportunity of sending 
this, I shall add a few lines About three weeks 
ago, the good Lord was pleased to visit my soul 
in a very remarkable manner. Comparatively 
speaking. I never knew what submission to GoJ 
under trials was till then, © my father, I now 
really think 1 can in some good measure, say it is 
good far me to be thus aMicted ; at the same time 
it grieves rae to think my dear Lord was under 
the necessity of dealing with me in so severe a 
manner, to bring me to my proper senses. What 
a disobedient child have I been ! Since the Lord 
has restored to me the light of his countenance, 
we have had blessed seasons amongst ns 'Tho 
church in genera! are roused, and some young peo» 
pie under hopeful impressions What the event 
will be, I know not ; but I flatter myself, Gcd is 
about visiting us once m ire, in a way of conver- 
sion. O that it may be the case ! 

4t Little did I think what my dear and honoured 
father and others felt when they lost then* wives; 
but sad experience has now taught me But I 
check myself: My God has done it, and I doubt 
not for my good, and I trast for the good of others; 
Since the Lord has so frequently visited my soul, 
that grief and anguish, which I thought nothing but 
time cou|d carry off, is gone ; and blessed be the 
Lord, now my sleepless nights (for I have many of 
them) are my best seasons. I have learned more 
of myself and Christ, these last three months, 
than in all my life before." 

God sends great affliction imoD his people thai 
7 



#4 MEMDiRd OF ELDER BOTSFORD, 

he may prepare them for great blessings. Thus it 
tvas with Mr. Botsford. The hope, which he 
expressed of a revival of religion, seems to have 
beeo realized. The Lord was pleased to pour 
out his spirit, and thirty souls were added to the 
Church. In a letter to Mr. Hart, dated Sep- 
tember 10, 1790, Mr Botsford gives some ac- 
count of the work. " The work of the Lord con- 
tinues to increase. I have baptized 17, have 
heard of four others who ar« converted ; and 
great numbers are under conviction. This revi- 
val differs from that under Mr. Winchester in the 
following particulars. 1st. Its beginning and pro* 
gress have not been so rapid, gdly. It is chiefly 
among the whites. 3dly, The affections of the 
fChuich were centered in him ; now both the old 
and young members have their love, in a very re- 
markable manner, drawn out to each other. 4th ly« 
*The work under him was carried on, apparently, 
Cill by his preaching ; now the spirit of prayer, 
in a very remarkable manner, is poured out on 
the Church, and most of the old, and a few of the 
late members, pray in public. 5thly In the 
former revival, several of the old members were 
Very uneasy at his conduct, especially his manner 
©f receiving all that came ; now, the greatest 
love and harmony subsist, and none are received 
tout with the consent of the whole. 

44 I am sure it would be a very great pleasure 
to my father to be at our meetings. Your poor 
son is assisted, in a very extraordinary manner, in 
preaching and exhorting ; and that without much 
fatigue, as he speaks but just loud enough to fill 
I he house. No thumping, stamping, raving, or 
any thing like it ; generally, you might almost 
hear a mouse ru** across the house in time of wor- 
ship. At our meetings of prayer, of which we 
e a great «aaiiy s we generally sll pray, relate 






Memoirs op kldeH botsforb. %& 



6tff experience, exhort, &c. At such meetings 
Hone are permitted but members and serious per- 
sons. These are chiefly held on eveftirigs. I ima* 
gine there are not less than 50 under conviction ; 
perhaps nearly double that number at home and 
at he other two places where I oreach. ,> 

In a letter to another friend, Mr Botsford thtt'§ 
describes their public prayer meetings. u Our 
public monthly prayer meetings are held on the 
first Monday in each calendar month. We intro- 
duce by prayer, sinking, prayer, and a short dis- 
course suitable to the occasion Then prayer, 
and an exhortation to the brethren to pray. They 
then pray, generally allowing a few minutes be- 
tween. When all have prayed that choose, (for 
I do not press it upon th »m In public, though at 
other times I do) I then ask if any of such, or 
such a class, request our prayers for them ; ob- 
serving that I desire none to present themselves 
but such as intend to Wad a religious life. When 
they come, I ask for a short account of the stat© 
they conceive themselves in. I pray ; then drop* 
a word of exhortation suitable to their cases ; then 
desire them to take their seats. I then ask if any 
others desire to be prayed for ; when no mora 
corne, conclude with singing and dismission." 

On the whole, this revival appears to have been 
a pleasant and genuine work of grace ; and Mr» 
Botsford gave evidence of possessing much pru- 
dence and skill in managing the interests of souls* 

About this time, it seems that Mr. Botsford 
made an effort to collect materials for a history of 
the Southern Baptists. In a letter to Mr. Hart, 
dated July 12, 1792, he thus refers to the subject. 
u I have mentioned collecting materials for a his- 
tory. You know that most of our Ministers are 
unlettered, and I expect they keep no records ; 
lienccj when they die, all dies with them. This 



>0 MEMOIRS Otf ELBER £0?SFQR2>* 

lias induced me to write to several for an accotnvl 
fcf the place and time cf their birth, baptism, or* 
filiation, &c. I wi*h to preserve dates and facts. 
Sis they may be of service to some hereafter, who 
may wish to write a history of the Baptists in 
Carolina and Georgia." It does not appear wl-at 
progress Mr. Botsford made in this work ; but the 
laudable attempt affords evidence of his readiness 
• to engage in those undertakings, which were cal* 
Ciliated to promote the interests of Ziorc. 

In 1791, Mr Botsford married his second wife ; 
She was a Mrs* Catharine Evans. By her he 
had one living child, and one still-born. He call- 
ed his child Catharine, after the mother : This 
daughter was married to Mr. Moses Fort; has 
been for several years a worthy and respected 
member of the Baptist Church in Georgetown, and 
is the only one now surviving of Mr. Botsford's 
mi ra e rou s f a m i ly o f ch i 1 d r e n . 

In 1796, Mr. Botsford itfls again left a widower* 
™Tbe exercises of his mint}, under this affliction^ 
may be learnt from the following extract from a 
letter to Dr. Furrnan. 

" Bethel, March 10, 1796. 

"Rev. and Dear Brother. — Your very consola- 
tory epistle of the 29th ult. came to hand yester- 
day. I return you many thanks for it, and I hope 
I shall profit by it. At present, I am in a very 
distracted state of mind, and my health some- 
what impaired. I am rot fit for business of any 
kind, yet have begun to force myself to it. I« 
the midst of a busy world, I am like one in a 
waste howling wilderness. O my Brother, if I 
was in darkness, and in a backsliding state, before 
the loss of my earthly treasure, as I certainly 
was, how much more so now ; yet I have no right 
,to complain. I do not charge God foolishly. 1 
do believe the trial is designed for my good ; but 



MEMOIRS OP ELDER BOTSFORD* *7# 

O wretched man that 1 am ! I do not wisely im- 
prove it. my Brother, it is now above a month 
since I consigned my dear Mrs. B. to the silent 
tomb, and not one gleam of light has been afford- 
ed ; not one word from that best of Beings has 
been spoken to my poor, distressed soul, and per- 
haps never may be in this world. I see the pro- 
priety of what you hive written, but O ray hard, 
hard heart ! 1 cannot, 0, I cannot return to my 
God. my Brother, all the darkness and dis- 
tress I ever experienced before is in no way to 
be compared with the present. Surely, if Jesui? 
sfiould condescend to speak to my poor soul once 
more, it would be the sweetest voice I ever heard. 
I have heard some of the dear people of God 
speak of their distress in terms, which I thought 
bordered on exaggeration ; but now my poor soul 
is plunged into a dismal gulph indeed. I feel like 
a sparrow alone upon the house-top ; can it be 
that I shall ever have reason to say, either in 
time or eternity, that this affliction was good for 
me ! blessed Jesus, what didst thou suffer in 
the garden, on the cross ! 

" Since I wrote the above, these words slipped 
into my mind, and I fear only slipped in ; ' I will 
had thee by a way which thou knowest not:' 1 and al- 
so the following, 4 What I do now thou knowest 
not, bu\ thou shall know hereafter. ' if God will 
lead me, all will be well ; it must be well, and 
though I am so blind as not to see the reason of 
his conduct towards me now, yet I shall see in a 
coming day. 

" 12th. These two last days, my mind has been 
more composed than at any time since the 7th of 
February, for which I desire to be thankful. Tha 
loss of those four worthies you mention as dead, 
must be a great stroke to the Church of God. 



^8 Memoirs of elder botsford. 

Ro/naine was the last preacher I heard in Eng- 
land. 

" Lord's day evening, 13th. This day I was 
enabled to say something from those comfortable 
words of the Prophet, Isaiah, li. 11 ; c The re- 
deemed of the Lord shall return, &c.' I think 
I felt some assistance from above ; some of the 
hearers I thought gave more attention than usual. 
This morning a poor negro belonging to Mr. W., 
related his experience to me ; I hope God is at 
tvork with him ; and I heard of another negro un- 
der conviction. Believe me, my brother, 1 think 
St affords me more satisfaction to find the Lord at 
work with those two poor creatures, than I should 
experience could I call the globe my own. 53 

The last years of Mr. Botsford's residence at 
SJethel were rendered uncomfortable by the spir- 
itual apathy of his brethren ; and also for the want 
of temporal support. Soon after the death of his 
wife, he became discontented ; and at length he 
notified the church, that they must look out for 
another Pastor Towards the close of the year 
1796, he accepted of a call from the Baptist 
Church in Georgetown ; and the February follow- 
ing, he removed to that place. During his con- 
nexion ivith the Welsh Neck Church, Mr. Bots- 
ford baptized in all, 132 persons. 



CHAPTER VI. 



"Various afflAciions — Eye complaint — Visits ^ Nm<* 
England — Letters to Mr. and Mrs Evans. 



"o i 



After Mr. Botsford's removal to Georgetown 
his life was not marked by a great variety of in- 
cidents, as is generally the case with the settled 



MEMOIRS OP ELDER. BCTSFORD. 79 

Pastors of Churches. Yet he passed through 
some scenes, which may afford useful instruction 
to the children of God. The latter part of his 
life consisted, principally, in suffering the mil of 
God. He had suffered many afflictions before ; 
but a still more bitter cup was now to be pre- 
sented to his lips, and it was not the will of his 
heavenly Father that it should pass by untasted, 
Should the record which follows fall under the 
eye of some of Christ's afflicted followers, they 
will see an example of suffering, that may remind 
them that there have been those, who have suf- 
fered as much as themselves ; an example of pa- 
tience, that may reprove their murmurings ; and 
an example of cheerfulness, which may satisfy 
them, that sadness and dejection are not the una- 
voidable and perpetual attendants of deep afflic- 
tion. 

The first severe trial, which Mr. Botsford was 
called to experience, after his removal to George- 
town, was the death of his daughter Nancy Nunn, 
who was the last child of his first wife. She died 
the 9th of October, 1797, in the tenth year of her 
age. " She was," says Mr. Botsford, u a lovely 
child ; every body that knew her w r a3 fond of her. " 

Mr. Botsford had thoroughly learned the lesson, 
(and who could blame him) that c it is not good for 
man to be alone $' accordingly he sought out ano~ 
ther help-meet. He was married to Mrs. Ann 
Deliesseline, his third wife, in June, 1799 By her 
lie had two children, Ann and Edmund. But his 
domestic peace was again invaded by the unre- 
lenting hand of death. " On the first of Novem- 
ber, 1799," writes Mr. Botsford in his Memoirs, 
•* my dear and only son Jeremiah, died, after an 
illness of a few days: I was ill myself at the same 
time. O, this was a trying stroke indeed ! 1 real- 
ty thought it would break my heart. He was a 



80 ME MOIRS OF ELDER BOTSFORD, 

lovely youth." The following extract is from a 
letter written to Dr. Furrnan, a few days after 
this heavy bereavement. 

" Georgetown, Nov. 3, 1799. 
" Rev. and dear Brother. — It is said of our 
divine Redeemer, 'he was a man of sorrows and 
acquainted with grief.' Why then should a living 
"roan complain ? Yet alas ! I cant help complaining. 
On the 29th of Sept. I was attacked with a violent 
fever of the inflammatory kind ; it continued ten 
days. I was, as I thought, on the verge of eterni- 
ty ; it had a pleasant aspect : yet I thought surely 
I was not going to heaven so easy. So it proved* 
On the 13th ult my son and daughter return- 
ed, on hearing of my dangerous illness ; my son in 
full health I was so imprudent as not to request 
fais return to the country. On the 26th, his birth 
day, he was seized with great violence ; we had 
every assistance, but on the 1st inst one o'clock, 
in the morning, my birth day, he expired. An 
only son, an affectionate, dutiful son as ever pa- 
rent had But he is gone, cut off in the bloom of 
youth. But amidst all my sorrow, I have the 
very comfortable hope that his soul is happy. I 
will, at a future time, if I am spared, give you 
the reasons of my hope. In the mean time, I 
would just observe, that some of the last sensible 
words he uttered were, (putting his arm around 
his sister's neck) * I shall in a short time be in the 
world of spirits, and I hope at God's right hand.' — 
Surely, if I am a son, a very disobedient one, to 
need such severe chastisement." 

In a letter to his daughter Sarah, of a somewhat 
later date, there is an affecting allusion to the 
death of his son.™" While I am writing, they are 
performing the last ceremonies over the grave of 
poor Harvey. A few minutes ago, the procession 
passed by towards the church. vrhat did I feel i 



IOIPvS OP ELBE It BOTSFOKZ), St 

It brought to my mind (he funeral of my dear son, 
your brother. — I thought the poor, distressed wi- 
dow left at home, must be in a situation something 
like mine, when poor Jeremiah (0 that precious 
narn^) was carried from me. or when I returned 
from your dear mother's funeral O what a 
blank was all the world to me.- I just now cast 
mv eyes on the returning mourners, but the man, 
the husband, the brother, the friend is left behind 
to lodge in the clods of the valley ; and the place, 
and the disconsolate widow shall know him no 
more forever. — how trying arG such scenes as 
these ! But how mvtch worse, 1 my dear children, 
writ it be, if hereafter wo should be separated 
from God, from Christ, from glory. — But the 
thought is so distressing, I must break off." 

As wave follows wave, so in the pilgrimage of 
this good man, affliction followed affliction. u On 
the 9th September, 1801," writes Mr. Botsford, 
ct I was again left a widower. Was ever sorrow* 
like my sorrow." 

During a part of the next year, Mr. Botsford 
had some severe spiritual conflicts. In a letter 
to Elder J. M. Roberts, dated August 17th, 1802, 
lie thus writes. u You could from but a faint con- 
ception of my exercises, were I to write an hour 
on the subject. Suffice it to say, I never was so 
strangely exercised, since I professed Christianity, 
as for many months past. I consider myself as, m 
a great measure, forsaken of God, and left in a de- 
gree of hardness of heart, that till lately, I was a 
stranger to I am sensible of my state, yet too 
unconcerned about it ; nothing seems to move me, 
I have no more feeling for perishing sinners, than 
if I was .'i stranger to grace. I desire a revival, 
but 1 hardly know from what principles. In short, 
my case is a nondescript. If ever I shall be s* 



&J MEMOIRS OF ELbER BOTSFORD. 

happy as to get through it, it must be by a divmt 
power." 

On the 7th of December, 1803, Mr. Botsford 
Was married to Mrs Hannah Goff, his fourth 
wife : the year following, Mrs Botsford was bap- 
tized a*d united to the church of Christ. In a 
letter to Mr. Cook, Mr. Botsford thus refers to 
this happy event. u Last Lord's Day was one 
of the best days I have seen in (Georgetown I 
baptized Mrs. Botsford and her sister in Sampit 
river, in the presence of a very large number of 
spectators, who behaved with decency and seri- 
ousness. These were the first white persons I 
have baptized in Georgetown, after a seven years 
warfare. Who would riot have patience after 
this." — Mr Botsford's fourth wife survived him a 
few years, and was one of those unfortunate suf- 
ferers who perished in the tremendous storm of 
1821. 

In addition to his domestic afflictions, Mr. Bots- 
ford was innch distressed on account of his want 
of success in his ministerial labours. With refer- 
ence to this subject, Mr. Botsford thus writes ill 
his Memoirs : u I have had so little success rn my 
ministry, in this place, that it has produced much 
uneasiness of mind. It seems as though I should 
live to bury all the members of my church. I of- 
ten query in my mind, what could have been the 
design of Providence in directing my settlement 
here. Sometimes I have thought it might be to 
prepare the way for some other person, whose la- 
bours way be blessed. What has led me to such a 
conjecture is, that 1 have reason to believe the 
Baptist interest has not suffered in the opinion of 
the inhabitants by any part of my conduct, and that 
Xvq now have a good house for worship.* Several 

* This house was erected in 1301, 



KEMOIKS OF £L&ER fcOTSFORD. S3 

ri'ime* I have had hopes of a revival, but have beea 
disappointed, However, this must be left with 
Hun, who only can command a blessi g. Thus I 
have lived a great many years to Jittle purpose ; 
though I hope my life has not been altogether in 
vain. But when I contrast it with some of my 
acquaintances, alas, how trifling!— On the other 
hand, when I recollect, that I might have been 
justly left to follow the natural propensities of aa 
evil and deceitful heart, I feel thankful lo (iod 
for his distinguishing grace, to such an unworthy 
creature. 

But Mr. Botsford's greatest affliction is yet to bo 
mentioned. In 1803, he was seized with that 
most distressing disease, the Tic Dolour^vx, the 
painful stroke or twinge, which, with the exc^p* 
tion of a few short intervals of temporary relief, 
continued t(? rack his frame and prey upon his 
constitution, until it terminated in death. lie 
consulted many physicians, tried many prescrip- 
tions, and though at times, he flaUered himself 
that he had obtained permanent relief; yet he 
found no effectual remedy, but that which death 
administered ; no quiet and undisturbed repose, 
but that which he found in the tomb. 

Mr. Marvin, in a letter to the compiler, gives 
the following description of his complaint. u Mr. 
Botsford's principal complaint was in the nerves, 
on one side of the head, called Tic Dolouroux. 
It usually came on in paroxysms of unequal dura- 
tion, sometimes lasting several minutes, at others 
not more than half a minuie ; at which times, the 
blood would rush to the head sudden as thought, 
and inflame the countenance, till it would almost 
seem bursting through the pores. At such times, 
he was fixed as a statue, in whatever position 
lie was m, when it seized him, he remained until 
it passed oflfj and then the blood would recede. 



84 HUNGERS OP ELDER BOTSFGRD. 

the nerves aid fibres relax, the countenance grov? 
paler and paler ; and he would slowly and c<u~ 
tiously resume; bis occupation, as though he feared 
its recurrence. Frequently, for w> eks at a time, 
did it recur in quick succ^sion. so that he could 
not, without difficulty, eat, or diink or speak. A. 
particular contraction of the Jip, in "any of these 
acts, appeared to bring it on." 

Amongst the papers of Mr. Botsford, I found 
the copy of a letter addressed to Dr Simons of 
Charleston, (who had a short time before per- 
formed, for the afflicted sufferer, a surgical oper- 
ation) containing a more particular account of his 
dreadful malady. Though written as late as 1812, 
it is proper that it should be introduced in this 
connexion. 

cc Dear Sir, — Agreeably to your request, I will 
relate the history of that moht painful disease, 
\viih which 1 was so many years afflicted. In 
September, 1803, 1 was seized with an uncom- 
mon itching in the right eye, which continued a- 
bout an hour. I was soon after attacked with a 
fever, by which I was much debilitated, but felt 
no return of the itching in the eye, till the follow- 
ing Match, when I was again attacked with it 
more violently thin before ; and now, on rubbing 
the eye, I perceived a pricking, which I thought 
was in the ball of the eye, and which very much 
alarmed me. It produced the appearance of what 
is commonly termed bloodshot. It continued but 
a short time. In a few days after this, I was 
suddenly attacked with a violent pricking, as of 
a thousand needles thrust into the eye, which, 
however, was only of momentary continuance. 
From this time, almost every day. and sometimes 
twenty times in a day, for several weeks, 1 was 
thus tormented. Lnow applied to the physicians 



MEMOIRS OF ELDER BOTSFORB. OO 

in Georgetown, who informed me that my com- 
t was a nervous one, and recommended blis- 
ters on the temple, behind the ear, and on the 
low^r part of the neck ; cold, warm and shower 
bathing ; pouring water on the eye, the head and 
neck, and dipping the face in water. The com- 
plaint continued and increased, with, however, 
some intervals, sometimes of two or three weeks; 
but on the return was generally more violent. 
After trying every thing prescribed by almost 
every person who saw me, and finding no perma- 
nent relief, on the fourth of July, lS0b\ 1 sailed 
for New-York. On the passage, the complaint 
increased, and begaa to extend to the lower part 
of the nose and cheek. A few days afler I land- 
ed in New-York, Ibe complaint somewhat abated. 
I was recommended to an elderly gentleman, who 
informed me the complaint was rheumatic, gave 
xne a prescription to his Apothecary, and advised 
ine to visit Ballstown Springs ; and, as the com- 
plaint appeared on the decrease, he also advised 
me to wait, and try the effects of climate I 
proceeded to the Eastern States in the latter end 
of July, and the complaint gradually decreased, till 
1 began to conclude it ^ould entirely subside. 
Nor was it troublesome till my return in Novem- 
ber, the latter end of which, it returned with 
greater violence. In January, 1807, I made use 
of the remedy, which it is said, cured Marmon- 
tell, viz. drinking cold water in such quantities 
as to keep the stomach distended lh.ee or four 
days. This gave relief, so that the complaint was 
now trifling for several months. On its return, I 
bad recourse to drinking water, which again re- 
lieved me of I he misery, but brought en a bowel 
complaint, and an aversion to water. The com- 
plaint iow returned much more violently, and af- 
fected almost the whuic of the right side of mj 
8 



$8 MEMOIRS OF ELDEK EOTSFORfc, 



head. I now had recourse to blisters and bleed 
lug again, also to a seaton in the neck ; but the 
complaint mocked every effort, and at times, for 
a month, and six weeks, with now and then some 
mitigation, the torment would be indescribable. I 
was now so accustomed to it , that the misery, which 
I once thought would put an end to present exis- 
tence in a short time, I could bear with some de- 
gree of patience 

44 Hearing of the celebrity of Dr. M'Bride, I 
wrote to him. That gentleman informed me 
what the complaint was, and referred me to au* 
thors for a description of it ; and observed that I 
need not expect a cure, but by a division of the 
nerves, and which he assured me could be per- 
formed with safety. He wished me to apply to 
you as a person who was, in his estimation, the 
best qualified to perform the necessary opera* 
lions. About the time of receiving this letter, I 
was easier than for many months previous, and 
continued so for a few weeks. About five or six 
weeks before I applied to you, the paroxysms 
were far more violent than at any former time ; 
they continued longer, and returned every five 
minutes night and day ; so that I could neither 
eat, drink, sleep, converse, nor perform any one 
action but in the most extreme torture. My life 
was almost one continued groan. Every person 
who saw me, was almost struck with tenor at my 
appearance ; they pitied my case, but could af- 
ford no relief. Often did I long tor dissolution, 
were it the will of God to deliver me by death, 
the misery was so great. But I thank God, I 
urn now restored to ease, and feel like another 
person. The only inconvenience arising from the 
operations, is a numbness in the upper lip on the 
right side, which I please myself, even if it does 
net return to its feeling, 1 shall be so habituated 









UEMOfR) 09 CLDEfc B0T8POE». 8? 

to, as to feel no inconvenience. I can now attend 
with pleasure to all the duties of life, and enjoy* 

ferhaps, a» good health as any person of my years, 
was sixty-six years of age on the 1st day of No* 
vember last. 

" Thus, my dear Sir, I have detailed to yoa 
the rise and progress of the disease, which you 
have been the happy instrument in relieving mo 
from, after enduring it more than eight years from 
its commencements 

I am, dear Sir, your most obedient humble ser* 
*ant. EDMUND BOTSFORD" 

Mr. Botsford was often kept from the house of 
God for weeks together, and even when he ven- 
tured to resume the labors of the pulpit, he was 
subject to sudden and violent attacks of his com- 
plaint, when addressing his congregation. In a 
letter to his friend, Elder Joseph B. Cook, he 
Writes : " Last Lord's day, in the midst of my 
discourse, I was struck so violently that I was 
obliged to desist speaking, and could not for soms 
minutes dismiss the congregation, who were all 
attention. Who knows but some sudden stroke 
may, unawares, send me to heaven ! Surely, I 
ought to live each day looking for my change. " 

" He was," says Mr. Marvin, " a lively and 
affectionate preacher, and, when engaged in his 
subject, used considerable action. Many, many 
times have I seen him, when preaching, seized 
with one of those dreadful paroxysms, when his 
band was up or extended, and head stretched for- 
ward with earnestness, and there, would he stand 
till they passed off ; the only perceptible move- 
ment, a sudden start, extending or lifting the 
hand a little. He became so accustomed to the 
a^oy, that it did not disturb his train of thought, 
lad he would resume the discourse where Ixq had 



38$ MEMOIRS OT ELDER BCTSFORfc, 

been stopped. I have known him Ihus arrPsfetS 
several times in one exercise ; but he wouM not 
withhold his hand as long as he could speak. H 
grieved him to the heart to see the languishing 
state of the Church, consequent, as be supposed^ 
tipon his illness ; as the house W3s shut up months 
at a time during 14 years, and the members had 
Jied off greatly. He felt that he was in the way, 
and that if he were removed, some other labo- 
rer would come in who would be the means of 
building it up." In this connexion, Mr. Marvin 
adds : " He was often very sick of fever, and 
sometimes of the Cholera Morbus ; and both 
were always attended with a dreadful nausea, 
which made it difficult to keep dwf thing upon his 
stomach. At such times, if any one, in help~ 
ing him, touched his forehead, it immediately 
brought on a paroxysm. You cannot conceive of* 
the apprehension he felt of such interference 
from his friends and attendants, at the moment of 
retching. But in all his sufferings he was resign* 
cd ; he was not impatient to be gone, yet he sigh- 
fed for the time when he should be freed from 
sin." 

From the preceding account, the reader may b$ 
able to form some opinfon of the nature of Mr. 
Botsford's? protracted bodily sufferings. In his let- 
ter to Dr. Simons he speaks of having visited 
the North During this tour, he visited Phila- 
delphia, New York, Providence, Boston and ma- 
ny other places, preached many sermons, and with 
much acceptance. He also formed many ac- 
quaintances, whom he valued highly ; amongst 
whom was Mrs. Rogers, the wife of the late Dr. 
Hogers of Philadelphia, with whom he afterwards 
corresponded, aad to whom he probably address- 
ed - ; The Wandering Jew," and ct The Second 
Sight jV two interesting letters, which will a£- 



MEMOIRS OP ELDER BOTSFORD* 8$ 

pear in a subsequent part of this volume. A few 
extracts from letters written, during this j$urney, 
to his son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs, 
Evans of Georgetown, may not be unacceptable ta 
the reader. 

TO MR. EVANS. 

"Newport, (iJ. /.) 4tg. lS/Ji, 1806. 

f { Dear Son Evans — This daj I received your 
favour of 28th July, which is the first letter from 
Georgetown. To say I thank you for it, is say- 
ing little ; yet I can but thank you. If you felt 
pleasure on receiving my letter, I think I will 
say 1 felt more on receiving yours. I did not know 
that I had so much regard for you all, as I find I 
have. True, I am in a fine country, and in the 
house and family of a real friend, where I feel 
more at home than at almost any house I was 
ever in except my own ; yet I cannot forget my 
Georgetown friends. Forget, did I say ? So far 
from forgetting, I think I really prize them more 
than ever I did. 1 should be fond to see even a dog 
from Carolina. that Carolina were as pleasant 
and healthy as this place; but it is not nor can be. 
Well, even here people die. Die we must, and 
happy they who are prepared for death ; for the 
heavenly country as far exceeds this, as perfec- 
tion exceeds imperfection. Let us then where'er 
we live, remember we must die ; and so live, as 
not to be afraid to die. 

"Well, Mr. B's. eldest daughter is published to 
be married. She is a maiden lady of only 53 
years of age. In this State no License ; you 
must be published three times. But as Mr. A. 
Mrs. Y. Mr. T. and myself, all came from Caro- 
Jina, I was engaged to marry Mr. A. to Mrs. Y , 
without publishing. I did so, and received 50 
dollars. In this place, one dollar is the Ieg»l fee; 
8* 



90 



MEMOIRS ©F ELDER E0TSF0M- 



one guinea a good fee; 16 dollars an extraordinary 
fee ! Mine was a Carolina fee !" 

TO MRS. EVANS. 

"Newport, Sept. 15, 1806. 
11 Dear Daughter Evans, — I cheerfully comply 
Tvith your request of writing to you. Shall I call 
you a good girl for your writing tome? I assure you 
I take it very kind, and an additional evidence of 
your duty at:d affection to me. However long the 
time of my absence may seem to you, I find it to 
me very short ; so short that it is difficult to snatch 
an hour to write. Do you say, u what can my 
father find to supply so much of his time ?" Why 
my child, I can hardly tell you, and yet I am very 
busy : I have not been idle one single hour since I 
Game into New-England. I have many visits to 
make, many calling on me, many things and places 
to see, and many sermons to preach. I have 
preached 31 sermons in New-England, and given 
many exhortations, and have heard many sermons'; 
have seen the Commencement at Providence, the 
Warren Association at Newport, where no less 
than 75 ministers were present ; 1 have attended 
several funerals, several baptisms, and have 
written 25 letters. Now you may guess if I have 
not filled up my time. 

" I now begin to look towards home ; for be- 
lieve me I do not forget I have a home, and 
some dear connexions in Carolina. You will be 
pleased when I tell you, that Mr. Cogges- 
hall's whole family do not abate, in the least, in 
their attention to me ; this is kind* — There is no 
revival of religion in any place where 1 have been, 
an j yet it is lively times ; several have been bap- 
tized in Newport, Providence, Boston and Char- 
lestown, and several persons are now 7 inquiring the 
Way. It would please you to see your aged fa? 



MEMOIRS OP ELDER BOTSFOKB. §1 

ther preaching with so much ease, and yet with a 
degree of animation that commands attention from 
numerous congregations. I am to go into the 
country to-day to preach, and return to-morrow ; 
then on Wednesday to Providence in one of the 
packets ; on Thursday, to preach at Pawtucket ; 
on Friday, Mr. Brown is to come to Providence for 
me and carry me to his hous*e- The old mats 
could not forbear shedding tears when he met me a I 
the Association in this town. c Is it possible,' said 
he, ' I see Elder Botsford in New E .gland.' He 
introduced me to his minister, and he very kindly 
and pressingly introduced me to his house and pul- 
pit. my daughter when I think of meeting so 
many millions of God's dear people in the world of 
glory, I almost forget that death lies between, 
and long to be gone. But these are among my 
best exercises ; I have others of a different na- 
ture too often. However, I think I can safely say 
I seldom, if ever, think of heaven, or pray, but 
my dear connexions come into my mind, and are 

remembered at a throne of grace. • 

" Although I do not expect any more letter^ 
from home, than what are on the way, yet I shall 
continue writing to one or another till my return, 
or till I take shipping. I doubt not the late ship- 
wrecks make you uneasy respecting my return* 
I am not pleased, but if I am in the hands of God, 
I am safe ; and surely I am Well, I shall act 
as I shall think duty may direct, and then all will 
be well — kiss little Susan for me, and tell the 
children I hope they will be good. You may 
rest assured that Mr. Evans and yourself have the 
earnest prayers, and the affectionate remem* 
brance of their loving father, 

EPMUND BOTSFORD,' ; 



§3 MEMOfRS dP ELDER BOTSPGRD^ 

TO MR. AND MRS. EVANS. 

" Newport, Oct: 10, 1806. 

u Dear Children. — When you receive this, if 
you do receive it, you will be ready to say, ' O 
dear ! why did not Pa cerae with Mr. Vareen ?' 
O why indeed ! I'll tell you. Before I left Mr. 
Brown's, the vessel was full, and I could not get 
a passage ; that is the reason. So I go in two or 
three days with Mr. Coggeshall to New York ; 
if I can get a good chance there I come, if I 
cant, I shall go on to Philadelphia : if I cant get a 
passage there, I will come on by laud with Mr. 
Coggeshall. The account of the death of my old 
and tried friend Mr. Cuttino, has had such effect 
on my spirits, that I can scarcely bear up under it, 
though I expected it. One morning at Mr. Brown's 
I told Mrs. Brown t was satisfied that Mr. Cut- 
tino w r as dead ; she wished to persuade me out of 
the notion, but the dreara I had was to me a sure 
indication of death, and I could apply it only to 
him. 

" If Providence should so order that I should 
not reach home, I request you will write, or 
get Evans to write for you, a letter of thanks to 
Mrs. Coggeshall. The whole family have been 
so kind to me, I wish they should know that I feel 
the kindness ; and as I have expressed it to you 
in other letters before this, it will be a pleasure 
to you to acknowledge favors your parent receiv- 
ed in a strange land. However, I have no gloomy 
ideas respecting my being lost, or any thing of the 
kind ; only we do not know what is to happen, and 
1 thought proper to mention this. 

44 I have been applied to, to marry another 
Carolinian ; but it is to a native of this place, and 
as it will be an infringement of the laws of this 
State, I shall not do it ; though I doubt not some 
of the- miaisler» will, fyr ths sake of a Carolina 



MEMOIRS 01* ELDER BOTSFQRD. SB 

fee. But you, my children, know that this is not 
my turn ; I do not love money so well as tc stain 
my reputation, or rath>r hurt my own feelings. 

" Well, my time for leaving New England is 
fcear at hand. I h ve received much benefit by 
my journey ; I have met with much kindness, have 
seen near or quite 100 ministers, have preached 
a great many times, have been much pleased, and 
but very little mortified. I believe I have been 
to no place but I should be welcome a second 
time. I have been solicited to visit these States 
again ; but I suppose the first time will be the 
last. I hope my journey has been of benefit to 
some souls. When I think of returning to George* 
town, where there is so little appearance of reli- 
gion, and shall miss my dear old friend Cuttino, I 
assure you I can scarcely refrain from bursting in* 
to tears. But yet I hope I feel thankful to God 
that I have such friends in Georgetown, as at* 
tract my affection, and command my prayers. 

" I think, even in this pleasing country, I have 
seen the emptiness of earthly things in a greater 
degree than ever in my life ; and hope I shall di- 
rect all my views to a preparation fpr that world, 
where only true, real happiness is to be found, 
and to the seeking, in some way or other, the in- 
terest of the kingdom of Christ. And this is what 
I would recommend to my dear children, in the 
most forcible manner, as the wisest and best thing 
a rational creature can do. I do not mean that 
you are called to renounce thought of, and caro 
for temporal good ; but let that be only a secon- 
dary consideration, and seek first, in preference 
to every other thing, the kingdom of God. It is 
high time to awake out of sleep and seek the 
Lord, till he come and rain* down righteousness up- 
on you. 

ct I must conclude with best wishes for you., 



u 



MEMOIRS OP ELDER BOTSfrOB*. 



and my little grand-daughter ; and remain, tnf 
dear children, your affectionate parent 

EDMUND BOTSFORD." 

Whilst at the North, the following incident oc* 
curred After preaching for some time with 
>nuch liberty and animation, he said, u but per- 
haps I weary you." " O no you dont, go on, go 
on," was quickly, and very audibly spoken by an 
old man, who had been all attention. This reply 
electrified Mr. Botsford, so that he could hardly 
proceed. 



CHAPTER VII. 

Letters — Death of his son-in-law — Revival— Letter's 
to Mr. Inglesby— Conversion and death of his son* 

During Mr. Botsford's visit at the North, his 
eye complaint was much less distressing than be- 
fore ; but soon after his return in November, its 
attacks were renewed with violence, as the rea- 
der has already noticed in his letter to Dr. Sim- 
ons It was also stated that he had found tempo- 
rary relief from the use of cold water. He thus 
refers to the circumstance in a letter to his friend 
Mr. Cook : — u I have one piece of news to com- 
municate, which, to me, is of more importance f 
than if a globe had been presented to me ; I mean 
the cure of the complaint in my eye. After ap^ 
plication to a number of physicians, and using eve- 
ry thing prescribed by them, and by almost all the 
old women of my acquaintance, the cure is, I 
hope, perfected by the most simple and easiest, 
as well as cheapest means, ever recommended; 
viz. drinking for three days as much water as my 



MEMOIRS OF ELDER BOTSFORB. &d 

stomach would bear ; at the same time abstaining 
from high seasoned food, and wine it was what 
cured a gentleman in France (Marmouteil) of a 
complaint as near to mine as well could be, after 
the best physicians in France had exhausted their 
skill ; and was recommended by a farrier. What 
I suffered, no person, except one in the same sit- 
uation, can form the least idea of May God 
have all the praise." 

In the summer of 1812, Mr. Botsford repaired 
to Charleston, to submit to the surgical operation 
already referred to. From a letter addressed to 
his daughter from that place, the following ex* 
iracts are made. 

" Charleston, August 10, 1812. 

<c Dear Sarah, — You know man is compounded 
of soul and body. The body is heavy and bulky s 
takes up a great deal of room, and requires con^ 
siderable strength to convey it from one place to 
another. But the soul, which is the best part of 
man, is immaterial, consisting of thought, &c« 
Now the weather, the Doctor, and my friends, 
combine to retain my body ; if, however, thought 
is the soul, or a part of the soul, I can wrap that 
up in half a sheet of paper, and send it to you. 
1 hope, as 1 cannot present you with the whole of 
soul and body, you will, for the present, be satis- 
fied with as much of my soul, as 1 can crowd into 
this letter. I cannot say the complaint of the eye 
is perfectly eradicated, as 1 still feel it ; but I 
must say it is so trifling, that if it does not get 
worse, I cannot think of having another opeiatioa 

performed. 

M Thus your father, your once distressed fa- 
ther, is relieved from that misery, which really 
rendered life a burden. I need not tell you I am 
fthaukful ; 1 wish each of my friends and my dear 



06 MEMOIRS OP ELDER BOTSFORB. 

relatives, to unite with me in praising God fol* 
such a special favour Were I a rich man, I 
would not ask the Doctor for his bill, but would 
present him with a thousand dollars most cheer- 
folly. The lew acquaintances 1 have in the city, 
have each behaved like friends indeed ; and each 
day I may truly say, they increase in number. I 
hope I shall never forget their kindness. But 
Charleston is not home ; I wish to be at home, 
and shall make the attempt to return, as soon as 
duty and decency- will admit. Your affectionate 
father, 

EDMUND BOTSFORD." 

The following letter, to Elder Wm. B Johnson, 
was written soon after Mr. Botsford's return to 
Georgetown. 

" Georgetown, Sept. 12th, 1S12. 

"Dear Son Johnson, — It is with greater pleasure 
I now sit down to write to you, than for im.ny 
years past. 'Heigh! 7 say you, c what has now turn- 
ed up ? Mas some person made you a great pre- 
sent, or have you met with great success in your 
ministry ?-' — I forget whether 1 informed you of 
my baptizing 18 black people since Mrs. A's. bap- 
tism. But this is not the matter, which produces 
the pleasure I adverted to above, But — and a 
blessed but— I am cuied of that most distressing 
disease, with which, for the last eight years, I 
have been afflicted. i Cured ?' say you, Yes, 
cured, say I. f How ?' say you. I'll tell you A 
Doctor M 'Bride, a young man living on Santee, 
who by Mr. William Shackelford was informed of 
my complaint, sent me word it was curable by a 
division of the nerves affected, and advised me to 
apply to Dr Simons, of Charleston, as a pro- 
fess t-d auaomist. and art excellent surgeon The 
wnuiumt increasing far beyond anything it had 



SlEMOUS OV ELDER BOTSFGRH. 9*? 

•over been, insomuch, that for four or five -weeks 
I had seldom more than live minutes interval be- 
tween the paroxysms, night or day; I at length con- 
cluded to apply to Dr. Simons. I sailed with 
Capt Shackelford on the 14th July, arrived oti 
the 15th, about 10 o'clock in the morning, about 
12 sent for the Doctor, at 4 in the afternoon, Dr. 
Furman, my son Evans and myself, marched to 
the Doctor's, when he performed the first opera- 
tion by dividing the nerve below the eye, on the 
cheek bone, called the infra orbicular nerve of 1ho 
5th pair. It give instant relief, though bat par- 
tial. On Saturday, the 18th, following, he divi- 
ded the nerve above the brow ; this gave further 
relief; and from this lime, the complaint decreas- 
ed daily, till it left me a whole, easy man. Thero 
uow ! do you think I can be sufficiently thankful ? 
&Io, I cannot. I call on you, my son, and each of 
my friends, to unite with me in praising God for 
the deliverance. 

u 1 left Charleston this day week, and arrived 
safe home on Tuesday the 1st intt. I preached in 
Charleston 24 times ; 13 times in the Baptist 
Church ; once in Dr. Flinn's new Church, and tO 
times in private houses Never did a person re- 
ceive more kindness than I did in Charleston ; es- 
pecially from that worthy friend, Dr. Furman, and 
family. I staid at his house till I was able to 
preach, and then went to Mr. Inglesby's. If £ 
ever forget Dr. Furman's kindness, 1 ought to 
ijave the same complaint again. No, while I re- 
tain my senses I cannot. Mrs. Furman, and four 
young men and a daughter, showed me every at- 
tention that could administer to my ease and com- 
farti not only for a day or two, but to the very 
last. Such is rial friendship. M,»y that Cod, 
who must be delighted with such conduct, till my 
fipixi with gratitude, and abundantly reward suci 
» 



*98 MEMOIRS OF ELDER BOTSFOR*. 

kindness, What a heaven, my- son, to spend an 
eternity with such friends, when w« shall be freed 
from every, thing that can interrupt friendship ; 
and with the author of friendship, even Jesus 
Christ, at the head ! 

M I am sure you feci so much for me, that you 
would not begrudge a dollar for this letter, had as 
the times are. Now mind ; every religious friend 
you relate my case to, request him to thai k God 
on my behalf 

" I expect to go to-morrow to the North Inlet, 
as I fear spying here on account of sickness ; but 
I mean to go back and forth. I am determined to 
he active for God. 1 carnot live many years at 
incst <; I must now spend the residue of my days, 
my days of ease, laboring in the vii eyard. You 
know the evenings are cool : it is my evening, 
and 1 have had a lung afternoon nap. May I now 
he found properly, prudently and earnestly enga- 
ged. We have many troops in the vicinity, whom 
I mean to pTeach to. Do you pray for success." 

Mr. Bedford's sanguine hopes of permanent 
recovery were soon blasted, for soon after his re- 
turn to Georgetown, the disease, with which he> 
Irad been so lot g afflicted, renewed its ravages. 
In addition to this, he suffered a heavy, and al- 
most overwhelming affliction in the death of his 
beloved son-in-law, Mi . John Evans. In a letter 
to Mr. Cook, dated Oct. 18, 1812, he writes as 
follows : 

• ^ But a still sorer affliction has overtaken me, 
as probably you may have heard, in the death of 
tn> dear son-in hiu\ Mr John Evans A son in- 
de» ({ he was to me ; a kind husband to my daugh- 
ter and a tender and affectionate father to his 
ci ildren, as well as a Useful znd much respected 
citizen But be is gone, not to return forever. 

u Poor Mrs. Evans is in a low state oi health, 






&EM0IR3 OP ELDRR BOTSFOHD. 99 

&tui this unexpected trial is more than she can 
well bear.; We.aro not without considerable 
hopes of Mr. E's. making a good end. For 
some time before his death, he was thoughtful* 
seemed sensible that he was a lost sinner, and had 
a very poor opinion of himself. From the first 
of his sickness, which continued 7 days, he seem* 
ed much bewildered in his mind ; but spoke com* 
posed*y of dying, but, if knowingly I cannot say. 
H * went off quite easy. The last word he spoka 
was, w O Sarah,' to his wife ; at least it wastbfS 
last that was understood. He died about half af- 
ter two o'clock on Monday morning the 5th iost* 
I closed his eyes. Mrs death brought all former 
sorrows to mind, and has bowed down my zv^y 
hairs with sorrow. ! could not help often saying* 
6 my son, would God I had died for thee.' v 

In 1814, Mr Botsford's severe complaint was 
somewhat assuaged by the use of a medicine which 
he had not before tried, viz. the Extract of Elena- 
lock. In the following letter to Dr. Roberts, he 
speaks with gratitude of the relief which he had 
found. 

" Georgetown, JVb. 29, 1814* 

cc Dear Brother Roberts. — ft is now a.consi- 
derable time since have I heard from you. You 
know we are all fond of news, and as our papers 
are barren of news on the large scale, I wish to 
bear some -of a more private, or domestic nature. 
1 therefore, apply to yon for some. You have, I 
presume, seen our friend, Dr. Furman, been at 
the Association, &c. but so busy you cant write a 
few scrawling lines to old Botsford. See how I 
am put tc it to get a pen to write with. I have 
not been able to make or mend a pen these four 
years ; and bince I began this letter, I have tried 
four, and this I am now scribbling with, is the 
fifth, and even this docs not suit uyr hand ; but no 



l0*Q KEMOIfcS OF El-DEIl fcOTSFO&I^ 

matter. I hope it will puzzle you a little to read 
Tuy writing, as yours does me sometimes. How* 
ever, I wish for another from you* for if it takes 
ine two or three days to read it, 1 am at this time 
at leisure. 

"My dear, good friend; Dr. Furman, sent me a 
pound of the Extroct of Hemlock, and it came at 
a time I ivas really very bad. 1 had used all I 
could procure, and was reduced to sit up a few 
Jhights before it came, and had concluded! must 
wait with patience my exchange of worlds, in 
pain. But behold the goodness of God ! in a day 
vy two after I obtained the medicine, I found such 
relief, that 5 preached the ensuing Sabbath, which 
Tvas the Sabbath of your meeting.; since which, 
J have been brave. There now ! if you regard 
me, as I am sure you do, help me to praise God 
for the relief I have found. Now here is your old 
friend, who has entered his seventieth year, in 
good health, and so easy with respect to the eye 
complaint, that if it never should be worse, he 
would no more complain. " 

For many years, Mr. Botsford had mourned 
fcver his unprofitableness, and the languishing 
state of religion in Georgetown ; but in 1816, the 
Lord w r as pleased to turn again the captivity of 
Zion ; and the mouth cf his afilicted servant was 
filled with laughter, and his tongue with singing. 
The nature and extent of this work of grace, as 
well as the exercises of Mr. Botsford's mind, may 
be learnt from the following extracts from letters 
to his intimate friend Mr. Win. Inglesby. 

"May 1, 1816. 

cc Dear Brother Inglesby. — As you are an old 

Englishman, you know that JWay-day, is a great 

day in some parts of England. The Morris-dan- 

cers, on that day, begin to go about the country,- 



1JEM0IRS OF ELDER BOTSFORD, tOl 

, cmcl dance round the May-poles, which are deco- 
rated with garlands of flowers, &c Well, my 
brother, I expect before this reaches you, you 
will have heaid by Mr. Cook, that, in George- 
town, we have begun to dance. Mr. C. and 
wife have led the way into our Jordan, (Sarapit^ 
and 1 really hope a few others are on the way. 
My daughter Evans is i hope converted, and my 
daughter Fort is in great trouble. Mr. and Mrs. 
M. are much engaged, also another or two o? 
Mrs. C's. family, and one or two others. Now" 
these are great things for us, who have had such 
.a long winter. I might also mention a few black 
people. Our brother Cook came very oppor- 
tunely ; for on the Friday he came, my eye com- 
plaint returned, and continued while he staid. 
But blessed be God, I have since been enabled to 
preach on Sabbaths, and attend prayer meetings* 
which we have set up. Both Mr W. and Mr. 
C. have engaged in prayer at those meetings. So 
you see, my brother, the hands that hung down so 
long, and the feeble knees, which so long trem- 
bled, are encouraged and strengthened. When £ 
saw Mr. and Mrs. C. baptized, I was ready to 
say, * Now Lord, lettest thou thy servant depart 
in peace, for mine eyes have seen thy salvation/ 
No, says the good Lord, live a little longer, and 
see your daughter come and acknowledge me, 
Content my Father, though in pain." 

" Georgetown, May 23, 1816. 
<c Dear Brother Fnglesby, — Through infinite* 
mercy, I am still in the land of the living ; though 
1 have had another severe attack, sonitf more pins 
taken out of the tabernacle. By and by, down it 
will co«ne, and Botsford will be no more ! What 
have I sail ? ' No more . p1 Truly* when this oil 
worn out tabernacle tumbles dtovvn, I trust I shall 
9- 



102 MEMOIRS OF ELDER feOTSFOKD* 

hen begin to live, and to some better purpose, 
ban while in the wilderness. I shall then have 
done with sin, as well as pain and sorrow. But 
shall a living man complain ? No, I will not, 
Never had a son of Adam more reason to be 
thankful for affliction; and only think to be blessed 

at the end of my journey too. Our prayer 

meetings are evidently blessed, and though it is 
a day of small things at present, I do hope ap- 
pearances are favourable for a further increase 
of our almost sunken church. " 

" Georgetown, June 5, 1816. 

li Dear Brother Inglesby, — Last Lord's day 
was a day not to be forgotten. I baptized my 
daughter Evaus, Mr. M. and his wife, also IS 
black people. Yes, my dear Sir, poor old Bats- 
ford performed all this without any assistance, but 
iVom above. Have 1 not reason to be thankful 1 
Well, I trust I am thankful. I wish you and my 
sister Inglesby, to unite with me in thanksgiving. 
Blessed be God, I am in pretty good health, and 
my eye complaint better than common. I hope 
a few more are on the inquiry. — — Never was 
a poor old helpless man more discouraged than I 
nave been. But the Lord has appeared at last. 
We were sunk as low as we could be, not to be 
quite broken up ; could hardly say, l by whom 
should Jacob arise?' matters were so gloomy. 

- But the Lord pitied us in our low estate, and 

"his own arm wrought salvation for us ; and to him 
be all the glory given. I am sure I can take no 
part of the glory to myself, for God began the 
^york when I was not able even to preach." 

" Georgetown, June 24JA, 181 ff- 
M Bear Brother, — When any great exploit has 
Sesa performed by our warriors, we often cry 



MEMQIR3 OF ELD2a S0TSF0R&, 103 

Out, huzza! huzza! This is the language of tem- 
poral warriors; hut when spiritual warriors per- 
form a great action, they cry, glory! glory! Now 
I ask have I not reason to cry, to shout, glory ! 
glory! to God and the Lamb, when I inform you 
that I baptized 17 poor black sheep yesterday in 
the presence of a very numerous assembly? I 
preached twice from Acts xi. 26, and viii. 9. In the 
first discourse, I described a real christian, his ex- 
ercises and his duty ; in the latter, I considered 
some of the many things which produce joy in the 
heart of the christian. It was a good day, I hope 
to others as well as myself. When baptism was 
administered) some were heard to say, 4 this is 
certainly the right way.' Yes, beyond a doubt, 
when we baptize a person on his professing to be- 
lieve in Jesus Christ, it is the right way ; such 
may go on their way rejoicing. — - 

u 1 very much question if ever you saw such a 
baptistry as was contrived yesterday. Knowing 
it would be dead low water about the time for 
baptizing, we examined the river up and down to 
find a place that would answer, but none could 
be found. Mr. M. and Mr. C. got a Cheraw flat* 
4 feet deep, hauled it up between tw r o wharves, 
the upper end aground, bored 2 or 3 holes in tho 
bottom, and let in the water. We got water of a 
proper depth and baptized in the flat. 

" I do not hear of any under impressions as yet 
falling off, so that I hope shortly to go into the wa- 
ter again. Pray for us." 

How refreshing must such seasons be to ther 
faithful minister of the Gospel, who has been? 
weighed down, for years, with discouragement and 
affliction. They are like the bursting forth of 
light in a cloudy and dark day ; like the gushing 
out of cool waters in a dry and desert land. — 
[t They that sow in tears, shall reap in joy. He 



104 MEMOIRS OP ELDER BOTSFORl--, 

that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious 
seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, 
bringing his sheaves with him-." 

Some time after the pleasant revival above re- 
fered to, the heart of the good man was again re- 
joiced by hearing of the conversion of his son Ed- 
mund, then residing in Philadelphia, as an appren- 
tice in a printing ofEce. H^ thus refers to the 
subject in a letter to Mr. Inglesby. 

" It is with pleasure I inform you that I have 
reason to believe my son is converted, and that he 
has joined Dr. Staughton's church- His letters 
breathe a spiritual turn of mind This is better 
news to" me, than to hear he was an Emperor. 
Dr. Staughton informs me that he is a Teacher 
in a Sunday School He has a class of 24 in the 
Testament, and the Dr. says, he is an excellent 
teacher, and has the good will of all who are ac- 
quainted with him. This is to me a cordial to 
my affliction. Although i our journey is a thorny 
maze,' we meet on the road with many comforts." 
Edmund was his only son, his youngest son, the 
child of his old age, and a youth of promise : might 
not the afflicted father rejoice ? But those cir- 
cumstances, which were calculated to augment 
his joy, ere long, added to the poignancy of his 
grief: — only a short period had elapsed, when 
Edmund ^ was not, for God took him." 

The following letter to Dr. Fur than was writ- 
ten shortly alter the death of his beloved son. 

" Georgetown, March 6, 1S19. 
li Dear Brother. — Since I wrote to you last; I 
have experienced a very severe turn of the eye 
complaint, accompanied with a violent pain in ray 
back, which I doubted not would have brought me 
to the grave. In this, however, I was mistaken. 
Soon after a release from thes-e ; another attach 



MEMOIRS OF ELDER BOTSFORD. Itfo 

of the cholfc ; this also I survived, but I am left 
in a debilitated state, confined to my room, but 
not to my bed, thouih seldom able to sit up the 
whole day ; and though seldom free from pain, it 
is not severe, nor is the eye complaint at this 
time very troublesome 

u My dear son went off, at last, very suddenly/ 
His death was remarkably easy, not a groan, nor 
a muscle 'distorted, nor more than half an hour dy- 
iag. For some time before his death, he ofteri 
expressed his willingness to depart. The hitler 
part of his days he was remarkably patient, I ne- 
ver saw a person more fully resigned to death 
than he was ; neither was he, towards the latter 
part of his life, molested with distressing doubts 
and fears. I was confined to bed at the time of his 
dea'.h, and after his death, I durst not trust myself 
to view the corpse in my weak state. I trust he has 
gone to rest with his Lord, and this, though he was 
an only son, reconciles me to my loss. To say I 
have no grief or sorrow on the occasion, would be 
unnatural. I please myself it will not belong ere I 
follo;v ; yet if I am not deceived, I wish the will 
of the Lord to be done, and to wait the Lord's 
time, tor my departure. I am sure if any persoa 
in the world has reason to be thankful under the 
rod, I have. I am surrounded with mercies, both 
temporal and spiritual I doubt not I am favored 
With your prayers, even amidst your own trials ; 
Dor do I forget you and JO'IH) when I do not for- 
get myself." 



206 MEMOIRS OF ELDER BOTSFCRC, 



CHAPTER VIII. 

Some account of his writings; icilh extracts front 
tke same, 

Mr. Potsford endeavored to be useful as a wri- 
ter. He bad, however, a very low opinion of his 

own abilities, and aimed at nothing more, in his 
productions, than to edify and instruct persons ia 
the humble ranks of life. tw I trust," says he, ia 
a letter to a friend, 4i that f am ow of the Lord's 
simpletons ; if I preach it is for them-; if I write 
it is for them ; and if by preaching or writing. I 
should benefit any of them, I shall be content to 
bear the twits, snubs, and ridicule of others, or 
even of some of them, who are of the wiser sort." 
In a letter to another friend, he writes thus : u Is 
it not strange that I should have an itch for writ- 
ing, when I am not certain that any one • sentence 
that I ever wrote, except some very short ones, is 
rightly constructed ; yet so it is. If I lived con- 
venient to a learned friend, who had time, and 
-who would devote an hour or two daily to assist 
me, I should find him employment. Had I lived 
in the beginning of the 17th century, I should have 
written many pieces in all probability. Had I 
paid a proper attention to the English language, 
in my youth, as I ought to have done, I might 
now be publishing one little piece or another, 
that might be of service to the cause of Christ, 
and the advantage of some of my fellow creatures. 
But here I am, a great, old cypher, fit only to 
stand on the left hand of all the iigures in common 
arithmetic." 

During several cf the last years of his life, 
his public ministrations were often suspend- 
ed by his severe bodily affliction, as the rea- 
der has already beea apprised ; and this circum- 






SiEMOIKS OP ELDER BOTSVOED. . 107 

Stance increased his anxiety to send abroad a use- 
ful influence* through the medium of the press, 
lii- pieces were generally submitted to the in- 
spection of some oi his most judicious friends, pre* 
vious to their publication, with ihe view of ob- 
taining their counsel, and inducing them to suggest 
such corrections and improvements, as might ren- 
der his productions more acceptable and useful. 
Dr. Furman of Charleston, was particular!) con- 
sulted on such occasions 

Mis first publication was a little pamphlet enti- 
tled « Familiar Letters," written in 1189 Of 
this, the compiler can say nothing, as he never saw 
it. arid has' never, that he recollects, heard it spo- 
ken of by .others He only ascertained the fact, 
that such a pamphlet was published, from a letter 
of Mr. Botsford's to Mr-Hart. 

In 1808, he published his tu Sambo and Toney," 
an interesting little work, written m the dialogue 
form, designed for the instruction of negroes, la 
a letter to Mr. Win. Inglesby, who, it appears, 
first suggested the propriety of publishing such 
3 work, he thus alludes to the pamphlet : ifc the 
Dialogues w r ill show to the master what we wish 
to inculcate, and may be the means of removing 
prejudice from his mind ; which will be in favor 
of the slave : and I have not the least doubt of 
their being useful to the serious blocks. It is 
very difficult to simplify the terms and phrases of 
divinity to their capacities ; i have, however, at- 
lempted it ; how I have succeeded, time will dis- 
cover. If my performance is productive of any 
good, God shall have the praise. Mr. Inglesby 
shall be considered the author of the invention ; 
and Boisford the writer ; and if it should be des- 
I. Botsford is perfectly willing to bear the 
blame, for this very good reason, he realty meant 
v/ell. Besides, this is th-j first piece, as far as } 



1C8 MEMOIRS DP ELDER BOTSTCltD, 

knew, that ever was published for the use of the 
Macks. If it should induce any person to write 
a better, still 1 shall have cause of thankfulness.'* 

This little production was well received; has 
passed thmieh many editions in different parts of 
lb( court ry, aid has been the means of convey- 
ing important instruction to thousands <f cur co- 
lored population ; and in a style admirably suited 
to their limited capacities and views. 

In 1810, *\ir. Bolsford published a piece enti- 
tled u Reasons for renouncing Infant Baptism, in 
a letter to a Friend." This is an interesting lit- 
tle production, and has no doubt been useful to 
many. 

in ISM, appeared his u Spiritual Voyage," an 
entertaining Allegory. In a letter to Mr. Cook, 
he thus refers to the work : cc Who would have 
thought, when I wrote the Spiritual Voyage, 
which I did in 1784, that brother Cook, who must 
then have bjeen a child, would be the means of 
its publication SO years afterwards. I say bro- 
ther Cook; however, it' lies between you and 
brother Roberts. As you both had a hand in it, 
the child is yours ; as Sambo and Tcney .was our 
i'riend inglesby's. As Sambo has had such a run, 
its father may not be ashamed of it. J hope your 
bantling will be as successful ; if so, it will assist 
roe, these bad times, to contribute my mite to* 
wards the propagation of the gospel in foreign 
parts." It may be proper to state, for the in- 
formation of those who have not been favored 
with the perusal of ihis work, that the design of 
the Author is to illustrate the Christian's life, em- 
bracing his various trials, temptations, conflicts, 
comforts, victories, &c under the similitude of a 
sea voyage. The Author gives evidence that be 
was a person of deep religious experience ; not 
}%noian\ of Satan's devices, antt the various cper? 



li£M01RS OF ELSFR BOTSFOfcD. It^S 

anons of grace in the Christian's heart. After 
the first edition was printed, the work received 
considerable improvement from the Author's hand, 
and has since been reprinted several time's. Most 
readers will find it entertaining, particularly those, 
who have pursued a sea faring life. I cannot for- 
bear transcribing a few paragraphs of the conclu- 
ding chapter, as a specimen of the work 

" While we were waiting for the Admiral's or* 
ders to sail into the harbour, we spent our thrift 
most agreeably, in the company of those old vet- 
eran officers, with whom we were associated, 
who entertained us with a relation of the various 
voyages in which they had been employed by their 
Prince, the losses they had suffered, the many 
dangers to which they had been exposed, the nar- 
row escapes they had made, the many battles thsy 
liad fought, and wounds they had received, the 
victories they had obtained, and the wonders they 
had seen. Uut above all, they expressed, in the 
strongest terms, their love to the Prince. V ho 
manner in which they expressed themselves wheu 
speaking ol him, showed they were wholly devo- 
ted to his service, and that they considered it the 
.greatest honour that could be conferred on them. 
They had given sufficient proofs of this in hun- 
dreds of instances. . And as the Prince was fully 
sensible of their high regard foi him and his ser- 
vice; so when present with them, he was daily 
making it manifest, by conferring choice favours 
on the mi. 

"This bay, where we lay at anchor, wailieg 
for the orders of ihe Prince, lies between Ca 
Departure and Farewell. The Pilot informed 
us, that at some seasons, there are, in this bay, 
sudden and violent gusts of wind, attended wiUi 



thunder 


and ligh 


Ining, 


rain 


and ha 


il. 


IU 


sail 


hki 


it 


goinetira 


08 he 


h 


id 


found it 


more 




icul 


I to 


tna 


i« 




iU 























HO MEMOIHS OF ELDER BOTSFORD. 

age a vessel in it, than in any one place in the 
whole voyage. A short time before the Convert 
crossed the bar, we were struck with one of these 
tornadoes ; though it ^as of short continuance, it 
•was very awful ; as it happened in the night, it 
was the more alarming; and especially as the 
wind blew right on the shore. I think I never 
saw the Captain, and indeed the whole crew, so 
dismayed in all the voyage. It was not a small 
matter that would affect our Captain : but in this 
storm .he was heard to say, •■We shall sink in 
deep waters ; the billows will overwhelm us.* 
.And in this perilous situation, the Clerk, Mr. 
Conscience, put us in mind of ail our slips and mis^ 
conduct in the \\ hole voyage, which greatly dis- 
tressed every one on board. The ship was now 
fast drifting on shore, insomuch that almost alt 
hopes of safety had left us. At this trying sea- 
son, ihe Pilot ordered the great sheet anchor to 
be cut fVem the bow ; this brought us up, and 
prevented the destruction of the vessel When 
ihe Captain perceived this, he said, fc Why art 
thou cast down. my soul, we shall yet live tq 
praise Him, \\ ho is our hope and refuge in times 
of trouble. 5 As soon as the tempest ceased, and 
we put things a little to rights, the Captain 
ordered all hands on deck, and the. Chaplain to 
offer thanks and praise for our deliverance. The 
remainder of the time we continued in the bay, 
we were favoured with very pleasant weather. 

i; On a certain day, orders came for us to be 
in readiness to enter the harbour, and also for 
some of our ship's company to go on board the fri- 
gate Wait-longer ; of which number 1 was one. 
We had scarcely got on board the frigate, when 
the Prince came with a flowing sail round Point 
Expectation aiid gave Ihe signal or the Comert 
1q weigh anchor : and follow him into port. JNo>y 



&SMOIRS OP ELDER BOTSFORD. Ill 

all ihe vessels in the bay hung out their colours* 
and fired a royal salute to the Admiral. The 
ship in which I was stationed, lay near the bay, 
at the mouth of the river, so that we had an op- 
portunity to take a full view of the Convert as 
she went over the bar, and by the help of our 
glasses, we could see her in her progress all the 
way up the river to the city. As the Convert 
passed over the bar, the Captain, and most of the 
Officers, vverei on the quarter deck, shouting and 
praising their glorious A iniiral. The last words 
I distinctly heard from the Captain, to which all 
the ship's company answered in joyful response, 
were ' glory, glory ! J 

" 0, how I longed to be on board ! — As she 
sailed up the river with swelling sails and stream- 
ing colors, before a fine breeze, and in full sight 
of the city, they were met by hundreds of barges 
and boats, with their colors also flying, and witli 
music playing. The guns from all the forts like- 
wise, fired in honour of the Admiral, the glorious 
Prince Immanuel, and to welcome the Convert 
on her safe arrival at the port of Endless-joy." 

The two following letters were written by Mr. 
Botsford to a female correspondent in Philadel- 
phia, in the year 1S15. They were first pub-* 
lished in the Religious Remembrancer, a valuable 
periodical paper in that place, and afterwards in 
the form of a Tract As they will no doubt, bo 
read with interest by all experienced christians, 
the compiler has concluded to insert them in thi«? 
volume. 



" THE WANDERING JEW. 

« Dear Mrs. ******, 

u f am now going to prove your confidence lu 
me ; I am about to relate strange things. I mer 



112 &ESQI&S OP ELDER £ GTS FOR©-, 

lion this, lest you should, as some hasty ladies.- 
have done, throw my letter in the fire before you 
finish the reading of it. No doubt you have heard of 
the ' Wandering JewS The story is, that a person 
attending on the ministry of our Lord, in the days 
cf his flesh, was so irritated at something he said, 
that he spit in his face. Our Saviour, looking 
mildly on him, said, ' Wander from place to place 
on the earth tiill come again.' When I was 
about twelve years of age, an old man, with ar 
very long beard, came into the town in whirh I 
lived, and asserted he was this 6 V\ anderhig Jew,' 
and imposed on many. He no doubt was an im- 
porter: but I have in reality seen and conversed 
with the real Wandering Jew. ' Mr. B. is it 
possible ;' Yes, dear madam, it is. I tell you I 
have seen the real Wandering Jew in George* 
town, South Carolina, since I last wrote you. 

u Although I believe he is as old tis he profess* 
<es to be, I never was in the company of a person 
more cheerful and lively. There are many who 
think him an imposter ; but I am one, among a 
few r in this place, who give credit to all he-says, 
although some things are truly of the marvellous 
kind. He must have been very old when our Sa- 
viour was on earth> as he relates several things 
known to him before our Saviour was born. He 
was present when John baptized him in J or dart, 
heard him preach, saw him perform many mira- 
cles, was present at his trial, saw him on the cross, 
and declares he saw 7 him more than once after his 
resurrection, and was present at his ascension in- 
to heaven. Pie was familiar with the apostles, 
and describes them as plain, honest men ; as for 
Paul, he speaks very highly of /am. I asked him 
a number of questions ; in his answers he showed 
great knowledge of human nature, beyond any 
person I ever converged with. At certain time?; 



MEMOIRS OP ELDEJl BOTSFOfrD. 113 

k\s conversation is so- engaging", I could sit up all 
bight to attend to it ; though I mast confess, at 
other times, it appeared to rue quite dull and un- 
interesting ; but, what at the time appeared very 
strange to me, several in company declared they 
were never more pleased ; hence I conclude, at 
such times the fault was in myself. You know* 
we are not always in a good mood either to heat* 
or speak in company Me is generally clothed 
in a leathern doublet ; but when he visits somo 
of the sjreat folks, he wares a suit of scarlet and 
gold : I saw him one day in blue or purple, with a 
large silver cross on each side of his coat. Ano- 
ther day I saw him all in tatters, so that I could 
scarcely recognize him as the same person. 

" My dear sir, are you not too credulous ? Is ifc 
. possible for a person who was on earth two thou- 
sand years ago, to be still in existence ?' It is not 
only possible, but a real fact. c My dear sir, somo 
people to hear you talk thus, would think yoa 
were beside yourself.' Some not only think soj 
but have told me so to my face ; but you must 
know I think the same of them, and believe my- 
self in my right mind. I am fully convinced the 
Wandering Jew is no irnposter. There are very 
few places where all the inhabitants cordialy re- 
ceive him ; and there are some so offended with, 
him, that they would kill him if they could ; but 
he is invulnerable, or he would have been slain 
long ago. This my dear madam, is one reason 
I put so much confidence in him. Another reason 
is, that generally speaking, those who dispute his 
word are wicked persons. I do not know how it 
may be in ewry placu, but I assure you there is 
not one good person, either male or female, in 
Georgetown, but what is pleased with his compa 
uy ; and truly it is no wonder, for he explains 
many things that no olher person can. — rfocnetiuies 
10* 



114 MEMOIRS OF ELDER BOTSFGRO, 

you would be almost ready to conclude he was 
acquainted with your very thoughts. I do declare^ 
he has caused me sometimes to think he is more 
than man. A few days ago he revealed some 
things to ine, that had such an effect as realty to 
cause me to wish mj self out of this world. 

11 I heard a person the other day, say, he veri- 
ly believed God was with him, and that by him 
great wonders would be performed. Hence you 
may perceive 1 am not the only one who believes 
Mm to be no imposter^ I do assure you he is no 
ilatterer. I have heard him speak to a large 
congregation of men, women and children, among 
-whom were masters and servants, husbands and 
wives, parents and children, rich and poor,, old and 
young, white and black, saint and sinner. There 
was not a person present but whose true charac- 
ter was exposed to view, and his duty urged 
"home upon him. When he speaks to those who 
are pleased with him, be wears a smile on his 
countenance that has a peculiar effect ; but when 
he addresses those who ridicule and despise him 9 
he speaks the language of terror, and his counte- 
nance is awful and truly terrible. He fears no 
man or set of men, but speaks his mind freely to 
all. Some one informed me he was about visit- 
ing the kingdoms of the east again. It is many 
ages since he travelled in some of them, and it b 
probable he may meet with much opposition, bat 
he is so much used to that, he will not be discour- 
aged. Indeed, I have heard there are great 
preparations making for his reception in foreign 
countries. For ray part, I think he will be a bles- 
sing wherever he goes, and have united with a 
few generous souls towards the expence of trans- 
porting him from place to place. Shall I give 
Jura a letter of recommendation to you and th$ 
dear Phi}adelphian& ? 



MEMOIRS OF ELDER EOTSFORD, Wj 

"But what can I say more than T have, except 
it be to mention his real name He goes by sev- 
eral names, but that which is most familiar \6 
people at large is, The Bible. Yes, the Bible 
realizes the Wandering Jew. The God of Abra- 
ham, Isaac and Jacob, indited it, Moses and the 
Prophets who wrote it, were all Jews ; Jesus 
Christ the sum and substance of it was a Jew, the 
Apostles who finished it, and sent it into the 
world, w r ere Jews ; all who believe it, and cor- 
dially receive it, are circumcised in heart. 

4t Could I then recommend a subject of greater im- 
portance to your consideration ? It is the life of 
my soul ; yes, The Bible I esteem my richest 
treasure on earth; Ihope I have ventured my 
eternal all on the truths it contains, 

* Not all the books- on earth beside, 
Such heavenly wonders tell,* 

M I trust I am writing to one who has heartily 
welcomed my Wandering Jew, 

Yours in gospel bonds* E. b." 



"THE SECOND SIGHT. 

'-Dear Mrs. ******, 

u I suppose you have heard of what, in Scot- 
land, is called the 4 second sight.' The person 
who possessed this faculty, had, at certain times, 
paroxysms, something resembling convulsion tits, 
or a kind of trance ; when he came to himself he 
uttered his prognostics, from what he had seen, or 
what had been revealed to him : some of 1hese 
were very extraordinary. However, of lateyears^ 
this notion of second sight has been pretty much 
exploded, I do not wish to revive, in this coun- 
try, the second sight as above described, but I 



IIS MEMOIRS OF ElftEH BCTSFORfc. 

must inform you that I conceive myself possessed 
of a second sight that is real; by which I can pro- 
phesy of livings that will certainly come to pass, 
and which also affords me much comfort in my 
declining years Say you, c Pray Mr. B. how 
long have ycu been in possession of this secret ? 7 
It is nearly fifty years, As you are an old friend; 
1 will relate to you how I came by it. I was 
put in possession of it by one of the most extraor- 
dinary, wonderful persons that ever visited 
America. If I mistake not, he was a native 
of Asia ; I think he was born somewhere about 
Jerusalem. The most surprising account of 
him I ever heard was from the Wandering Jew* 
lie spoke of Him in such an astonishing manner, 
^ss possessing such extraordinary qualifications, that 
very few 7 people at the first report believed him f 
nor did I ; but when I became acquainted with 
iim, I found all that the Wandering Jew said of 
birn was true. My- first acquaintance with him 
was in this wise: when I arrived in Charleston, 
South Carolina, which was in January, 1766, in 
Ifcy twenty-first year, I heard that this wonderful 
person was there on a visit Some time after my 
arrival, every thing seemed to make against me, 
and I was plunged into poverty and distress. 

u I had left my native country in search of 
riches, and behold I was now in poverty ; I ex- 
pected happiness, but behold distress. I had lost 
my parents at an early period, so that I had no 
home to go to, and if I had. 1 had not the means to 
convey me there ; I was a stranger in a strange 
land. I frequently thought I was in a worse state 
than even the prodigal son ; I felt myself a poor, 
forsaken, distressed orphan. I frequently used 
to retire to lonely places, in the outskirts of the 
town, to be .vail mv deplorable situation. I con- 
tinued iu this distressed state a considerable time ; 



MEMOIRS OP ELDEE BOtSFOllD. II? 

nt length one clay an an^el appeared to me. c 
Mr. B ' say you, ' yon were under a delusion, you 
saw an an^el ! and pray what did he say to you ? 
were you not frightened at the sight V Ne, Ma- 
dam, I was not frightened at the sight;. he appear- 
in such a manner that produced no fear, but such 
a kind of reverence and awe that till the » I had 
never felt. Me spoke so kind, yet so earnest, 
that my attention was never before so taken ; ho 
pitied my ease and directed me to the wonderful 
person I have described, assured me that he would 
relieve me from all my distress ; yea, he told 
me the Great Man had observed me in my solita- 
ry walks, and had sent a note to me to assure ms 
of his kindness. I was induced to believe his 
words, and in a short time after, I prevailed on 
myself to venture, and that too in all my rags, to 
knock at the Great Man's door, and related to 
him, in my simple way, all my wants. He very 
condescendingly listened to my pitiful story, and 
granted me full relief from my distress His 
kindness melted my very heart. O it was a day 
never to be forgotten! I was filled with joy; it 
was such as I cannot describe, it was one of the 
sweetest, most sorrowful, joyful days I ever ex- 
perienced : the recollection of it, at this time, 
causes tears of gratitude to trickfe down my aged 
cheeks. It was then he presented me with what 
I term c the second sight.' It consists of a curious 
glass, which is very difficult to describe to those 
who never possessed such an one. 

l< By the help of this glass, a person may disco- 
ver a thousand things which those, who are unac- 
quainted with it, can have no right conceptions of. 
It presents such views of the heavenly glory, that 
causes a person to be willing to leave all, wife, 
children, friends, possessions of every kind of an 
earthly nature, to inherit it. It affords the best 



liS MEMOIRS OP EIDER BOTSFORSv 

View that can be obtained on earth, of Jesuf 
Christ, of the way of life and salvation through 
him It likewise discovers the nature of sin and 
holiness Hence you may perceive, it is of ser- 
vice in a religious point of view. And what \$ 
very extraordinary, when properly used, it produ- 
ces such contentment of mind, even under adverse 
providences, that causes the person possessed of it 
to be thankful for them. I have even heard 
of some, who, in the agonies of death, have been 
made to rejoice, by what has been presented to 
them through this glass. I myself, have seen seve- 
ral poor wretches, who, by their wickedness 
were nuisances to society, before they were pre- 
sented with this glass ; but no sooner were they 
in possession of it, than they became useful mem- 
bers of society and as agreeable, as before they 
were disgustful. Several, who were very poor, 
became rich by the possession of it ; indeed it was 
my own case : I was as poor as I could be ; but 
now am i rich, yea, possessed of durable riches 
that will not take wings and fly away. If yoa 
wish to see the best description of this glass, I 
cannot refer you to a better author than he, who- 
ever he was, that wrote a letter to a certain peo*t 
pie called Hebrews* It is certainly an ancient 
piece of writing, but I believe it to be a fine and 
true description of this glass ; there are other 
writers who very clearly treat of it, but if I mis- 
take not, the person I refer to, writes the most 
upon it. 

i( Do you not wish for such a glass ? What am 
I saying ? I doubt not you have been in possession 
of it several years. Yes, dear Madam, I trust 
you have been favored w r ith the faith that work- 
eth by love, and purifieth the heart. That faith 
which is the substance of things hoped for, the 
evidence of things not seen. That faith which en- 



MEMOIRS OP ELDER B3TSF0RD. 119 

ftbles you to cast your burden on the Lord, and 
to rejoice in tribulation You will then permit an 
old friend to rejoice with you on the acquisition, 
and to remind you and himself, that we should of- 
ten pray fc Lord increase our faith ;' and also ob- 
serve to you, that there is nothing the devil be- 
grudges us so much as this glass He would break 
it if he could — but the Great Man has prayed, 
and continues to pray that our faith may not fail. 
Although, at times, we can see through it da kly; 
by and by we shall see without it If a glimpse 
by faith now and then is so delightful and encou- 
raging, what must naked vision be ? This we can- 
not conceive ; but of this we are assured, we 
shall see Jesus in all bis glory, be where he is, 
and be made like Him. O the happy state of those 
persons, who are in the possession of this Jewel J 
happy now, and will be happy forever. 

Yours in Jesus, e. b.' ? 



Mr. Eotsford wrote several little pieces, which 
were never published, and most of them, proba- 
bly, were never designed ior publication; but 
simply for his own entertainment, and that of a 
few familiar friends. From a little piece enti- 
tled the M Kingdom of God," we give the follow* 
tog extract. 

* c Every saint, according to his capacity, will 
be perfectly happy in the enjoyment of that glory 
conferred on him. There shall we behold oui fa- 
ther Adam, the only man on earth that knew a sin- 
less lite ; but now 6D joying a life superior to his 
paradisiacal life in Eden. There shall we bthuld 
K loch and Elijah, who did not taste of death ; and 
Noah, who law the end of the old, and the b. ^m- 
Ring of the new world. O Abraham, the friend 
d{ (jiod ; and lather of the faithful ! plough so biffa 






ISO MEMOIRS OF ELDER B0TSF0RD. 

Jy fnv< ured in thy life time, yet now more highly 
favoured. You saw the Messiah's day, and re- 
joiced, though then at a great distance. Now 
thou art in the fall possession of the promised bles- 
siig, and millions of thy natural a r >d spiritual chil- 
dren, all aioiu'd. celebrating with the the glori- 
rtous Messiah, who, according to the flesh, sprung 
from thy loins. Thou art now free from ail thy 
vexaiions, and thy faith is completed in vision. 
O Isaac ! thou art now free from Esau and thy 
bliiidness ; 1,0 more will thou be distressed by the 
conduct of thv once beloved Esau and hid wives ; 
no more deceived by the suj planter ; but art new 
in everlasting light, with thy \enerabie father and 
beloved mother. No further inquiries, c where 
is the Lamb for the burnt offering ;' but now in 
the full possession of him, of whom, in that offer- 
jug, thou wast a lovely type. 

k -0 Jacob, where art thou now ! Thou art re< 
alizing thy vision on thy journey to Padanaram, 
Thou hast ascended the ladder, and arrived safe 
at the top Thou hast done v\ ith covetous Laban, 
and art effectually delivered from the fear ci thy 
brother Esau, and from the contention of Leah, 
and thy beloved Raehael ; as also from the dis- 
tress in losing thy son Joseph, and fears lest Ben- 
jamin should not return. Thy beiuved Joseph is 
now safely housed with thee, nev^r more to be 
separated from thee. He has now a better, and 
snoie exalted station, than to be next to Pharaoh. 
Ail ihe evil days of thy pilgrimage art now at an 
end, and thou art solacing thyself with thy father, 
thy grandfather, and thy Saviour, in the world of 
bliss, where none will disturb, or bicak thy rest 
forever. The God of thy fathers, and of thy in- 
numerable posterity, now smiles on thee ; now 
thou seest ail thy troubles worked good for thee, 
*nd oot evil* Moses ; drawn out of the W3ter ? 



SlfcMSIRS OP ELDER BOTSFORD. HI 

fiiou faithful servant in the house of thy God ? 
No more shall thy meekness he tried at the wa- 
ters of Merihah. Thou wast faithful in thy ser- 
vice, and now thou hast possession of a better land 
than an earthly Catraan. No more shall the Is- 
raelites murmur against thee ; no more shall thou 
fjuake and tremble at the thunders and flashing of 
fire on Mount Sinai, for thou art now safe on Mount 
Zion, the city of God. 

"0 David, thou man of God! All thy trials- 
are now at an end ; neither Saul, nor thy rebel- 
lious son, will ever molest thee. Thou now 
canst strike upon a higher string than thou ever 
didst in the sanctuary Thy Son and Lord, is now 
thy chief delight. Thou art offering praises to 
him, who forgave all thy sins, who healed ail thy 
backsliding*, and who delivered thee from all 
thine enemies. O ye Prophets of the Most High 
God ! You now see and adore that glorious Mes- 
siah by you so largely prophesied of. You be- 
hold him in all his glory as the mighty God, the 
Everlasting Father, Wonderful Counsellor, thfi 
Prince of Peace, and the Saviour of an elect world. 
— O John, the forerunner of the Son of Go 1 ! 
Thy head is restored unto thee, and thou hast 
Seen his kingdom increase, and all thine enemies 
subdued ; even the dancing M- rodias, and the 
cruel Herod, are no more. all ye Evangelists! 
who accompanied our Lord in his travels in Ju~ 
dea, and who have given us an account of his life, 
miracles, preaching, sufferings, death and resur- 
rection. Your unbelief is now done away, and 
you now understand the nature of his kingdom, 
find are rejoicing to find your names written in the 
book of life, and now enjoying a kingdom that is 
more glorious than you expected, when you first 
m to follow yo;ir blessed Master. 6 Paul ! 
once persecuted the church of God with ui- 
11 



i%2 MEMOIRS OF ELDER BOTSFORfc. 

relenting, furious zeal, but became one of th« 
chieiest of the Apostles ; whp laboured abundant* 
Jv to propagate the glorious gospel of the lung- 
do 01 ; who suffered much ibr your steadfastness 
In the truth. Now hast thou a dignified place in 
the paradise of God, which thou once hadst a 
glimpse of, while tabernacling here below. Now 
thou understandest, what then thou couldest not 
communicate ; now thou art in the full possession 
ol that glory . O Peter! thou who wert ready 
and prompt to speak on all occasions ; .who 01 ce 
deniedst thy Master, to the wounding of thy sjouL 
After a life spent in his service, thou art now sing- 
ing praises to him, who looked on thee, and brought 
thee to repentance for- thy shameful conduct. 
You have now got beyond the machinations of Sa* 
tan, who desired to sift thee as wheat. Thy Sa- 
viour played for thee, and you acknowledged be- 
fore the other disciples that the Lord knew that 
you loved him. Now you are solacing yourself 
with those lambs and sheep, whom, in conformity 
to the command of your Lord, you fed with ihe 
sine* re milk and the strong meat of the gospel. 

"O John, beloved of the Lord ! from Pat mos 
to heaven. Thou wast highly favoured of thy 
Lord, when on earth : thou hadst the honor of clo- 
sing the oracles of God, and of outliving ail thy 
eotemporanes. Now thou art in possession of 
greater j^y, than when you leaned on your Mas- 
ter's bosom at the sacred supper 

cv O ye blessed Martyrs and Confessors of the 
Truth ! From fiery stakes and chains, from dark 
and doleful dungeons, and from all the rage of thy 
infernal persecutors, are you delivered, and are 
lion rejoicing in your Lord, for the love yo.u had 
oo', O ye eminent Saints of God, who shone 
jvilh peculiar Lustre in the church in later trmes ! 
lou have now got beyond your trials of every 



MEMOIRS OF ELDER B0TSFORD. 133 

kind, and are realizing (hose truths of Ood, which 
you believed, and which you endeavoured to im- 
press on the minis of your fellow-Sinners here 
below With" those glorified and dignified saints, 
my soul longs to be numbered, though I shouhl ho 
at the feet of the lowest inh bitani of heaven, to 
unite with them in adoration and praise to God 
and the Lamb " 

Mr. Botsford wrote an Allegory, entitled u A 
journey from the Town of Sensuality, in theS Coun- 
ty of Love-sin, to the City of Salem, with a de- 
scription of tlrat City and its Inhabitants " The 
design of the piece is to exhibit some of the exer- 
cises of an awakened mind, in its search after di- 
vine truth, the difficulties it often encounters in 
its progress, and also the privileges to be enjoyed 
in a church state. It is written with considera- 
ble ingenuity, and contains much interesting and 
valuable instruction. Though the work was ori- 
ginally designed by the author for publication, 
yet for reasons unknown to the compiler, it was 
never committed to the press. I am inclined to 
present the reader with a few of the concluding 
pages. 

t; In the morning I rose early, and proceeded 
on my way. I found the mount very steep, and 
the path very dusty, so that, by the time I reach 
ed the top, I was, as it were, covered with dust, 
irfaicb not only soiled my clothes, but my skin 
also, so that I never appeared so disagreeable to 
myself in all my life. And now I was in full sight 
of the city, and such a glorious place I had never 
seen in all my travels I beheld also several ot 1 
the Citizens walking on the plain, in clean white 
garments; and I was filled with shame at the 
iilthiness that cleaved to myself: yet as the cili* 
/ens passed me, they noticed me with kind looks, 
insomuch that J wondered. At length, a grave, 



124 MEMOIRS OF ELBER BOTSFORI^ 

elderly gentleman came up to me, and asked me 
if 1 was desirous of entering the city. 1 told him 
that Ixaine for that purpose. c Friend, 5 said he* 
' will it not be advisable to wash in the fountain,, 
and change your raiment, before you apply for ad- 
mission at any of the gates ?' I thanked him fof 
his observation, and begged he would direct me 
to the fountain. c Sir,' said he, ' keep the path 
io which you now are ; it will bring you to the 
fountain cf the house of David, where you will be 
accommodated with every thing necessary ; and 
there are just by the waters of Enon also.' 

" I went to the Fountain of Life and washed, 
and procured change of. raiment. I now felt like 
another person. Having next bathed in the wa- 
ters of Enon, I went to the gate opposite to the 
place where I had bathed; the name of the gate 
was Fellowship- The porter, Mr. Watchful, 
desired me to wait till he had summoned the per- 
sons, who examine those that apply at this gate 
for admittance. The persons, by whom I was 
examined, being satisfied, I was received as a 
citizen. They gave me the right hand of fellow- 
ship, good counsel, and introduced me to their so- 
ciety. I bad now, as it were, got into a new 
world, among 3 people who were as different from 
the inhabitants of my native town, and ray old 
companions, as light from darkness. Old things 
Lad passed away, and behold, all had become 
new. I had left my native town, and my old 
companions ; but I had found a city and the best 
of friends. I had left my vain carnal delights, 
tat I had found substantial, rational pleasures, 
even joy and peace in believing. I had come out 
of darkness into marvellous light; I felt myself 
happy, more so than I could express. I now wish- 
ed ail my relations, and ail my former compan- 
ions; were partakers with me of the happiness I 



MEMOIRS 0*F ELDER B&TSFORD- l£& 

enjoyed. On reflection, I was astonished at my 
former blindness, but more so at the invisible 
hand that had conducted me through so many va- 
rious scenes, to the city of Salem. Surely I 
ought to adopt the language of a celebrated char- 
acter, who once dwelt in Salem : c Bless the 
Lord, '0 my soul, and all that is within .me, bless- 
his holy name, for ever and ever.' 

u Beautiful for situation is the city of Salem. 
It is built on a rock, even the rock of ages, and 
cannot be moved. Its walls are salvation, and its 
gates praise. The towers, the palaces, the tem- 
ples exceed all description ; the materials will- 
not decay, nor their beauty fade as long as the sua 
and moon endure. The streets of the city are 
paved with love, and streams from the fountain of 
li/e run through every one of them. The city is 
defended by bulwarks of various kinds, and of pe- 
culiar construction, suited to defend it against 
every kind of assault ; and in addition to these,, 
the whole is surrounded by a wall of fire, which 
bids defiance to all the powers or earth and hell. 
Also the watchmen go about the city by day and 
by night, and every citizen has in his possession 
the whole armour of Im annuel ; thus the city is 
secured from all danger. 

" Prince Immanuel, the sovereign of the uni- 
verse, dwells in the midst of the city. His ser- 
vants are all king's sons ; their livery is of wrought 
gold, even robes of righteousness and true holi- 
ness. The provisions of his house exceed the 
provisions of all the monarch* on the earth In- 
deed the whole city is (<id with the bread of life, 
the water of life, the wine of the kingdom, and 
all manner of pleasant fruits ; and all without 
money and without price. . 

tc The laws of the city are laws of lov >?, fram- 
ed bv infinite wisdom- executed in mercy, and 



126 MEMOIRS OP ELDER BOTS-FORD. 

suited to every ease that ^an possibly arise. It 
must be observed; that all who reside in Salem 
are not real Salemites, or true citizens. Time 
lias been, when more attention was paid to the 
admission of persons to citizenship, than at pre- 
sent. Formerly, there Was but one gate, by 
which persons were admitted, and their charac- 
ters were more narrowly scrutinized ; but even 
then some were admiited, who proved not to be 
true citizens, and these admitted others ; and 
while they conformed outw r ardly to the rules and 
}aw T s of the city, ihey could not be excluded from 
visible citizenship. 'After a series of years the 
records of Mr. Traditim were introduced and act- 
ed upon ; this produced a variety of opinions, and 
a diversity of names. But it is worthy of no- 
tice, that all the real, genuine citizens, in every 
part of the city, from one extremity to the other, 
Lave one heart aud one mind in those things which 
constitute the essence of citizenship. 

" Salem is the richest city in the w r orld ; but 
the riches do not consist of such things as the other 
part of the world count riches, such as silver, 
gold, precious stones, houses, lands, cattle and 
merchandize of various kinds ; but in the favor 
ci the Prince, in the pessession of things unseen 
"by the rest of the world. To describe them in 
the language of Salem, they consist in the love of 
God shed abroad in the heart, which produces 
]ove to Him and to one another, and by which, 
the citizens are transformed in their minds, even 
"by the renewing of the Holy Ghost, and are ena- 
bled to bring forth fruit unto God, and to add to 
their faith virtue, and to virtue knowledge, and 
to knowledge temperance, patience, godliness, 
"brotherly kindness, and charity. These are the 
niches of Salem, by which ii may be seen that 
persQns ; who sire the poorest in the things of this* 



MEMOIRS OP ELDER BOTSFORD, 121 

world, may possess the riches of Canaan in an 
eminent degree 

" The city of Salem, like many other cities, is 
divided into a number of parishes, or wards, each 
of which has its proper officers to keep the peace 
of the city, and to see that the laws and regula- 
tions, established hy the Prince, are properly 
executed. There are a diversity of opinions re- 
specting the manner of executing some of these 
rules and regulations, but they all profess to love 
the Prince, and one another. It is this diversity 
of opinion, and the irregular conduct of some, that 
induce many, who are unacquainted with Salem, 
to draw unfavorable conclusions respecting the 
Salemites. But of all people in the world, a 
true Salemite is the happiest man. I readily ac- 
knowledge there are some wards in which a per- 
son may be much more comfortable than in oth- 
ers. 

u The ward into which I was initiated as a citi- 
zen, though one of the oldest, if not the oldest, 
was at that time nearly the smallest in the city, 
and one of the least respected, even by some of 
the other wards ; yet we enjoyed all the privile- 
ges of the city, and lived like brethren in love 
and unity. I shall never forget the happy times 
we then enjoyed, and indeed do still enjoy. Our 
ward is now much enlarged, and is daily increas* 
ing in the number of inhabitants, as are some of 
the other wards. If they do but increase in the 
true riches, it will be happy for them. I am 
sure if they do not, it is not for the want of means, 
as these are multiplied in proportion to the in- 
crease of the inhabitants. 

"Although Salem is the most glorious city in 
the world for antiquity, magnificence, wholesome 
laws, riches, its excellent provisions and privile- 
ges j yet there are a set of men, wh? are con- 



123 MEMOIRS- OF ELDER fiOtSFORD.' 

firm ally plotting its ruin. But the city is so weYi 
guarded, that all the machinations of those evil 
disposed persons cannot do it any essential injury. 
It is true, they have exposed some of the legends 
and superstition introduced into some of the wards 
by old Mr. Tradition, but in this they have un-j 
wittingly teen of real service to the city. 

" There is no city In the world equal to Salem 
for the variety of amusements in it. The mu- 
seum has the best collection of the most valuable 
articles that are to be found on the globe. It 
contains the most useful library that was ever 
collected, consisting cf history, chronology, theo- 
logy, ethics, biography, &c. &c. In this museum 
may be seen, by a true Salemite 5 such things as 
no oilier person in the world can see or under- 
stand. Here is the pearl of great price, of more 
worth than the whole world. Time would fait 
me to describe the various articles contained in 
this museum, to which the citizens have free ac- 
cess at all times. 

u There is a variety of meetings of the citi- 
zens, on stated times, for various purposes — for 
conversation, for voealrausic, and for orations on 
the most sublime subjects. There are also cer- 
tain feasts, at which the citizens have angels 5 
food, and wine of the kingdom These feasts 
are designed to keep in remembrance the won- 
derful things Prince Immanuel has performed for 
Salem. It is no uncommon thing for the Prince. 
to favour them with his presence at these feasts, 
and when he does, it produces great rejoicing. 
There is nothing has such a tendency to produce 
love and harmony among the citizens, and to pro- 
duce obedience to the laws and regulations of the 
city, as these feasts. 

" The commerce of Salem exceeds the com- 
merce of any citv on earth* Her merchants are 



MEMOIRS OF ELDER BOTSFORD, I2Sf 

all kings ; they trade in the richest merchandize 
with all parts of the world, eve?) with heaven it- 
self Salem is also noted for wisdom. The wis- 
dom of the me?i of Salem consists in being wisfc 
unto salvation, wise to consider their latter end, 
and the things that belong to their peace ; wise 
to improve their time and talents to the best of 
purposes, even to the honour of their Prince, and 
the welfare of their fellow-citizens, and the world 
at large. 

u That part of the city in which I first settled, 
and indeed in which I still live, is a most delight- 
ful situation. It is in Gracious Square, one side 
of which is open to Meditation Fields ; Humility 
Slreet comes into it on one side, and Obedient 
Street on the other. In our ward there is Godly 
Row, Love Lane, Faith Court, Hope \lley, 
Expectation Buildings, Saints Walk, Discipline 
Street, and many other places of note. In the 
square is an excellent neighbourhood. Here are 
the families of Mr. Love-hcliness, Mr. Hate-sin, 
Mr. Self-denial, Mr. Prayerful, Mr Godly-fear, 
Mr. Standfast, and many other worthy persons, 
who live in the greatest love and harmony, doing 
each other every act of kindness, prompting each 
other to every act of duty, watching over, and 
kindly admonishing, and when occasion requires, 
lovingly reproving each other. Our officers are 
worthy men, giving themselves up entirely to 
promote the welfare of each citizen in their ward. 
They also endeavour to conciliate the good will 
and affection of the adjoining wards, by which 
means we live the more peaceably, and frequent- 
ly enjoy each others company and good offices. 

" Opposite our square there are several de- 
lightful walks, free for any of the citizens. These 
walks are in the Prince's Park, under shady trees, 
whose leaves never fade. There is Converse 






ISO BIEMOIRS OP ELDER BGTSFO R£. 

lion Walk. Meditation Walk, Contentment Walk, 
and several others In this Park, also, the Prince 
olten rides in his state chariot. This chariot is 
of curious construction. It is made of thi* vv-od 
of .Lebanon, the pillars of silver, the covering of 
purple, the bottom of gold, and paved with love 
for the daughters of Salem The wives and 
daughters cf the citizens are often favoured with 
an airing in this chariot- 

"The Saleinites are daily preparing for the 
New Jerusalem above. When they arrive there, 
as every true Salemite assuredly will, they will, 
by the Prince Immanuel, be introduced to his 
Father, who, in the presence of Angels, Arch- 
angels, Cherubims and Seraphims, will receive 
them frith songs and everlasting joy upon their 
heads, and confer on them an eternal weight of 
glory. No wonder, then, that Mr. Prophecy 
and Mr. Tell-true were so urgent with the inhab- 
itants of Sensuality, to leave the town and travel 
io Sale-m." 



CHAPTER IX. 

Extracts from his Letters. 

In the preceding chapters, w^e have glanced at 
the principal events in the life of Mr. Botsford. 
We have introduced such extracts from his let- 
ters, as were more immediately connected with 
the events recorded, reserving others for three or 
four separate chapters, that the thread of the nar- 
rative might not be too much encumbered. 

It will generally be acknowledged, that Mr. 
Botsford was' an interesting letter-writer. His 
epistles are composed in the easj, unaffected style 



MEMOIRS OF ELDER BOTSFORD. 131 

of familiar conversation, and it is in this that na 
smail part of their excellence consists. In them 
we see the man just as he was — the plain, fami- 
liar, affectionate, cheerful, pious, blunt old En- 
glishman In his severe afflictions he found. much 
solace in dictating epistles to his friends ; whilst 
they received these memorials of his affection and 
friendship with great delight, and still carefully 
pres. rve them as precious relics ot one, whom 
they tenderly loved as a friend, and, in most ca- 
ses, revered as a father. Some of his most in- 
teresting letters have never fallen into the hands 
of the compiler ; but from those, which he has 
been able to collect, he has made such selections 
as will probably repay the labor of perusal. 

The letters, from which we make the follow- 
ing extracts, were written at different times be- 
tween the yeais 1765 and 1819. 

TO MR. JOSLFH B. COOK, 
(Then a Student n C llrqe ) 

<< Beikel, March 5, 1795. 
cc I hope my young fiiend will keep in view the 
end for which he was sent to College ; 1 meas the 
ministry. Not that 1 wish you to preach, if you 
should be convinced that you are not called of (ioA; 
Do qualification will be found sufficient for that 
important work, exclusive of a call from Uod. It 
is very probable, if (Jod designs you for useful- 
ness in his church, you may meet with many diffi- 
culties. Satan is your enemy, the world is de- 
ceitful, and so is your own heart, and these may 
all beset you, and by them you may be much dis~ 
cou aged. You will, therefore, be much in earn- 
est prayer to (Jod for assistance and direction I 
am well convinced that, if you do not live near to 
God, you will not be able to contend withjoiir ad- 
versary ; and you cannot live near to Uod ; if you 



I S3 MEMOIRS OF ELDER B6TSF0RB. 

neglect (he appointed raeans, and I doubt not you 
will have temptations from several quarters so to 
do. Will you permit me to mention a few mo- 
tives to induce you to continue diligent, for 1 hope 
you are so at present ; and iviil you believe me 
when I tell you, it is from real regard 1 write* 
Yes, my young friend, I have a sincere regard 
for your welfare ; I wish you to be a useful man, 
an honor to the cause of God, and to your connex- 
ions, and also that you may enjoy the comfort of 
your labors 

'• First, then, consider what was the wish of 
your dear Papa. You were his earthly portion ; 
you know he doated on you, and would have done 
perhaps even more for you, than duty demanded. 
Secondly, consider the expectations of your 
friends. Tbe particular circumstances under 
which you w T ent to College, give them a right to 
expect a suitable return ; and I hope my friend 
will not disappoint them. Thirdly, conbider though 
a poor orphan, God has provided many friends, 
and some in a way unexpected when you were 
first left. Fourthly, consider how useful you may 
be in the church of Christ, how much there is to 
do, and what an honorable calling ; what a glo- 
rious Master you have to serve, and what a rich 
harvest of rewards await all his faithful servants ; 
how many souis may praise God to all eternity 
for your labors; And O consider, what God ex- 
pects of you ; that you should devote your whole 
self to his service, your time, talents, interest : 
and how can they be better employed ? I hope 
you will receive this as a token of real regard. % 

TO HIS DAUGHTER SARAH. 

" Georgeioicn. Jittg. 3D, 1799. 
<c O my dear daughter, how was I alarmed 
^vhfn the packet was delivered to me sealed with 



MEMOIRS OF ELDER BOTSFORD. 135 

black wax ! I have not yet recovered from the 
shock ; I nas in hopes it was necessity, but ob- 
serving that my name w r as spelt wrong by Mr. 
Park, I thought surely some of you were gosi^ in- 
to eternity, and I should see you no mote till I 
met you at the bar of GoJ. But thank God, I 
am as yet disappointed ; though how soon such a» 
event may take place, God only knows oiy 
children, live, do live in such a manner, that you 
may meet me at the judgment seat of Christ with 
joy ; for I hope and trust, with all my infirmities, 
through the merits of a dear Saviour, I shall be 
enabled to hold up my head in that tremendous 
<]<>) . O that you would seek lor converting 
grace ! i cannot now write to each of you ; I 
wkh you to consider this as written to you all." 5 

TO THE SAME. 

" Georgetown, Jlv*. 39, 1800, 
(c Dear Sally, — You perceive by the date of 
IhUi I set you the example I recommended. — 
However, you have not the $ame opportunities 
that I have for writing. Yjou said i a your last, 
that you had not a pen worth a rig. Why do you 
not learn to make a pen, then you may have ono 
worth two. 

tc I have had more digress respecting my dear 
boy (Jeremiah) lately, than usual, and yet i b&y.a 
nut dreamed of him once, as I recollect, since his 
death, I have also had more close thoughts of 
my own death, than I ever remember to have had 
in a state of health. Sometimes the prospect 
appears pleasing ; but generally gloomy. I am 
cious i hat I h.\ve fallen short in the perform- 
ance of every duty, and, in ge/Mm I, fo< I so unlike 
what l conceive a christian should be, that I fre- 
quently shudder. Now my dear children, I wish 
you to live as never to be afraid of dyisg. Yiu 
It 



134 MEMOIRS OF LLiiER BOTSFORB. 

Tnay believe we when I tell you, that sometimes 
I am so concerned for you that 1 forgot myself, 
i do not think if I could call the world mine, it 
would afford me one thousandth part so much sa- 
tisfaction, as to see my children truly pious. I 
always esteemed my children as my portion In- 
deed, 1 suppose that I idolized them, and hence 
God has been depriving me of them. I really did 
not know my heart was so set on my dear son, as 
I now find, by the loss of hiin, it was. I am very 
sure I shall never enjoy myself as formerly, nor 
do I feel distressed at the thought^ I do think it 
is best it should he so. But O, iicnow I do not 
submit as I ought, or as sometimes I wish to do. 
1 have often preached ot resignation to others, 
but I £i;d it very difficult to reduce this into my 
own practice. Well, I know he cannot come 
back to me. but i must go to him. if we meet 
at God's right hand, all will be well. But O 
Sally, if any of us should be missing there ! God 
of heaven ! what shall we do My dear chil- 
dren, I beg of you to get an interest in Christ, that 
however it may fare w r ith your poor father, you 
may be safe. However, I have a hope, and 
sometimes a comfortable one, of being accepted 
in the beloved. If I have any foundation for my 
hope, it is the merits of Christ alone, and not any 
of my own performances." 

TO THE SAME. 

" Georgetown, Sept. 10, 1800. 
* 4 It is a sign of a proud spirit to pretend igno- 
rance of our poor relations ; it is what you have 
r.ot done, and ! hope never will do. Indeed, you 
are poor yourself; and believe me, Sally, 1 wish 
never to see you rich. I wish you a competency 
of this world's goods, and I would have you lay 
jip Ifea&iue in heaven- where neither moth, rosf^ 



UEMOIRS OF ELDER BOTSFO&D. 155 

thieves, freshets, frosts, nor any other enemy cat* 
disappoint you. My highest ambition is to meet 
my dear children in glory. However, beyond the) 
grave all natural and acquired relation ceases. 
In the other world, the saints will love and feel 
for none hut holy beings. li will be no diminu- 
tion of their happiness to see those in misery , who 
were in the nearest and dearest connexion with 
th sin here below ; yea, wh-*n the smok^ of their 
torments ascend for ever and ever, the saints will 
shout, alleluia ! Not so with the wicked. They f 
will reflect (some of them) that they had pray- 
ing parents \ that they were addionished, advised* 
entreated to reform, but would not ; will not this, 
think you, add to their misery ?" 

Amongst the papers of Mr. Botsford, I found a 
letter addressed to the Rev. John M. Roberts, 
Pastor of the Baptist Chutcli at the High Hills cf 
Santce. Whether it was a copy^ which Mr. Bots- 
ford had preserved, or the original, which, for 
some reason, had never been forwarded, I &m un- 
able to say ; but as it is so characteristic of the 
writer, I cannot forbear giving an extract. 

"Georgetown, May 10, 1S02. 
" You say I compliment you more than you me- 
rit. I did not mean to do so. Well, 1 will not 
compliment you now. You may be as thankful 
to God as you can, but none of your sitting down 
contented. I insist you shall try to speak better. 
Dont tell me about your mediocrity of talents ; 
you are not to put, either yourself, your people, 
or me, off with such stuff. Roberts, God lias 
done great things for you, and will you not im- 
prove the talents ? — Yes, I know you do in some 
respects, but you must in others. As you say 
you know you are not a good speaker, let me beg 
of you to aim at improvement every sermon yon 



tZG 



MEMOIRS OF ELDER ECTSFOR0,, 



deliver, I mean in your delivery. To use tii£, 
jvcrds of Dv. Byram : — 

* For how indeed can one expect, 
The best discourse shoald take effect \ 
Unless the maker thinks it worth 
Some needful care to set it forth. 
"What ! does he think the pains he took;* 
To write it fairly in a book, 
Will do the business? not a bit, 
V It must be spoke, as well as writ.' 

C£ And pray, why not a popular preaefief ? I eta 
not wish you to seek popularity ; I should be one 
of the first to despise you for it. The honour of 
Gud, the welfare of precious souls, the Baptist 
interest, all demand of you an exertion of your 
talents, in all you have undertaken; and amon^ 
the rest, in speaking. When you have only done 
ns much as a poor stammering heathen to acquire 
the art oi speaking, even if you should not speak 
-any better than you now do, you will stand excu- 
sed to God and man. If you do not w T ant to shine, 
nor have the praise of m^n, you wish, I presume. 
to be very useful. Well then, assure yourself a 
good delivery will be no impediment. But what 
have I written ? My dear friend, do take it as 
from a father. At least, remember it is an old 
3iian that loves you, and would rejoice to see you 
highly esteemed by every one, and above all, to 
hear of your being a very useful, great and good 
man." 

TO THE S\ME. 

" Georgetown, Xov. 84, 1S02. 
u The kindness and attention of my friend, and 
the amiable family with which he is connected^ 
will not easily be erased from my mind. Ro- 
berts, vou ought to be thankful for your lot. I 



MEMOIRS OF ELDER 20T3F0RD, I 5 T 

am truly pleased with it. I sincerely wish von 
and the dear young lady with which you are con* 
nected, the best of blessings. Do, my dear young 
friend, from the first, make dee to talk with the 
wife of your bosom, and that frequently, on divine 
subjects, G.ct her to pray with you ; often be 
on your knees together, and do tell her from me, 
from your real friend, I beg her, [ entreat her, 
not only to join you in prayer, but pray herself 
with you. O my young friends, do be praying 
husband and wife. Do not let shame prevent. 
O Mrs. Roberts, I earnestly entreat you to pray 
in secret with your husband ; do my dear child 
get into the habit of praying with your husband ; 
and if you find him backward to converse with 
you on spiritual subjects, let me know, and I will 
scold him soundly. I tell yoa both, live for God, 
and all will be well." 

The following letter, addressed to William !>„ 
Johnson, then an irreligious young man, and one 
with whom Mr. Botsford was particularly inti- 
mate, is a specimenjjof plain,]faithful'and affection- 
ate dealing ; and should it meet the eye of au 
impenitent sinner, we entreat him to read it 
prayerfully, and with self application. 

" Geurgetoivn, Jiug. 15, 1803. 

"Dear yorng Frienl, — Your favor of the 2d 
inst. I received a few days ago. The early at- 
tention to your promise was very pleasing : the 
religious information affords peculiar satisfaction. 

tc There was.no necessity for an apology for the 
appellation of Friend. I am your friend, and hi 
tliis letter I mean to give you a striking proof of 
my friendship. Your excellent mother, in her 
last illness, repeatedly requested me to remem- 
ber hen son. 1 have, in several respects, compli- 
ed with her request, jMv conduct towards von 



138 MEMOIRS OF ELDER BGTSFORD. 

you can witness ; my prayers for you, God can 
witness. 1 consider you now as from under my 
eye, and I am sorry to say, you have left George- 
town a poor, unconverted man ; so that hitherto 
the example and prayers of a most affectionate 
ynother, as well as the prayers of an aged minis- 
ter, have heen in vain. Possibly I may never 
write to you so freely and fully on the subject of 
religion any more, as I design in this epistle.-- 
Writing is now irksome to me, and you are re- 
moved at a distance, and under the care of ano- 
ther of God's ministers. I however think it my 
duty, at this time, to present you with two por- 
traits, yours, and my own. Mine will not be a 
full-length draught ; it will only be so much as 
will discover itself in drawing yours. Yours I 
intend to be a full likeness, so that every time 
you may think proper to view it, jou may disco- 
ver a greater likeness. But it is probable, as my 
materials are rough, and my hand heavy, the 
whole portrait may not be so polished as to afford 
pleasure. Indeed I mean it not to have that ef- 
fect, but to raise disgust in your mind; I do noi 
mean against the limner, nor against the picture, 
but against the person who sat for the draught. 
As it may not have this effect on the first reading, 
I earnestly request you will give it a second, or 
even a third. Then if it causes no displeasure 
with William Johnson, I totally despair of any 
thifeg I can write being of service to him. 

4i As my painting is intended to be of a moral 
nature, I shall have the less occasion to delineate 
your phiz, so that, in comparing the draught with 
ibe object represented, you will have to consult a 
different glass from what is generally -used when 
decorating the exterior. I have another thing to 
premise before I enter on the subject, and that 
is, you will consider the painter honest in his in* 



MEMOIRS OF ELDER BOTSFORD, 139 

lentions, however he may miss in the representa- 
tion. Ones more ; the painter wishes you to be 
honest when you examine the likeness. The 
rules he recommends for that purpose are few 
and easy to be obtained ; viz. the scriptures of 
truth and conscience, He flatters himself, that if 
you seriously and honestly consult them, you will 
certainly discover some likeness. 

" Well then, I now begin, and the first stroke 
is at the heart, which 4 is deceitful above all 
things and desperately wicked ; who can know 
it '/' Jer. xvii. 9. Yes, William Johnson's heart 
is a deceitful heart ; he must be conscious of it ia 
some respects at least, though, poor fellow, he 
has but little knowledge of it. Conscience is not 
this the truth ? Conscience. c Yes Sir, to my 
grief I speak it ; his heart has deceived him in a 
thousand instances ; in some particulars I can wit- 
ness he knows it is deceitful. He sometimes 
wishes it to be thought his heart is an honest one, 
and when 1 shew him iti a few particulars its de- 
ceit, he endeavors to pacify me hy gilding the de- 
ception over with some things very plausible ; 
such as, human nature is imperfect ; Cod has im- 
planted such and such passions in us, and they 
may therefore be gratified ; is not every person 
as bad as I am, and many worse ; I have many 
good intentions in my heart, &c. &c> Pray, 
Conscience, ;s not his heart very wicked ? Con- 
science. * As full of evil as an egg is of meat ; a 
nest of unclean birds. The scriptures require 
holiness of. heart, but believe me, his heart has 
every thing contrary to holiness, and not one grain 
of holiness in it, For instance, there are in his 
heart, of which I am witness, pride, vanity, lust, 
anger, disrespect to God, his word, his gospel, his 
ministers ; indeed, these last jou must know full 
us well as himself) even his very politeness d:e c 



140 MEMOIRS OF ELDER EGT^FORD. 

not cover thorn.' You are right Conscience ; 
he has disrespect to God. his word, his gospel, 
and ministers, he has again and again proclaimed 
in far mere energetic language than he can pro- 
nounce with his tongue. Indeed, with his tongue, 
be his often politely assured me, h- highly re- 
gards the word of God, the gospel, and myself as 
a minister of it, notwithstanding, he must be con- 
scious his conduct speaks the very reverse. He 
loves the word, but seldom reads it ; he loves 
the gospel, but prefers a good dinner, and light, 
polite company to it ; regards the minister, but 
pays no attention to his admonitions and reproofs, 
In his heart he really approves of the things of 
the world, in preference to the things of God. 
What say you Conscience, is it not so ? ' yes 
Sir ; I can testify his heart is so blind, he sees no 
beauty in spiritual and divine things ; so hard, 
that no lasting impressions are made on it, either 
by reading or preaching. He is most in his ele- 
ment, when acting least like a real christian. He 
and I used to have a little debate about these 
things, but for some time pas- , he has nearly si- 
lenced me by inattention, by a certain degree of 
self-confidence, -which hurries him on to this, that, 
and the other sin. Neither is he content to gild 
over his sins as formerly, but, forsooth, endea- 
vors to persuade me there is no harm in it all ; 
and in fact, as I said, almost stops my mouth with 
a continuil round of thoughtlessness and gratifi- 
cation, so that I have lately given him up in a 
great measure to himself. But now I have got 
him here among a set of polite christians, I intend 
some dark night, when we are by ourselves, to 
make such a discovery as will greatly alarm him ' 
I am glad you intend to take him in hand. Let 
me beg of you to give him no quarter ; fly ia his 
face, shake him soundly, not by the hand, but by 



MEMOIRS OF ELDER. BOTSFORD* 141 

the heart. I can tell you, yon will find him a stiff 
gentleman to deal with ; he is so fond of his dear 
sell, it will be hard work to convince bfna he is as 
bad as he really is. Besides, if you are not upon 
your guard, he will stifle you at your first onset, 
or he will bribe you, or perhaps lull you to sleep 
again. 

" Now William Johnson, what say you? Whose 
heart is the above draught the picture of? Do 
you know it ? Have you viewed it lately ? If not, 
take a peep into it. On the Ptgfet hand corner, 
you will see a lady all bedizened in her best ap- 
parel : her name is Pride. ' Am I prou 1, Sir ? p 
Yes Sir, you are proud of this, of that, of the 
ther. 4 Mr B , 1 do not know that 1 am proud- 
er than other people.' I do not say you are. 
Look into the left corner : who sits there ? The 
Lust of the Flesh, and all her imps. At the bot- 
tom, Hatred of God ; at the top, Vain Conversa- 
tion : the middle filled up with Thoughtlessness, 
Love of the World, and Unbelief, which is Infidel- 
ity. y But is this a true representation Mr. B. ? 
1 can never believe my heart is so bad ; you have 
not mentioned one good thing ?' Because there 
is not one good thing in your heart. fc Sir, ar.e 
you not censorious ?' Censorious ! Why, I have 
not mentioned a twentieth part of tb« evil there 
is in your heart. Were you impartially to con- 
sult the word of God, your own conscience, the 
exercises of your mind, and your conduct, you 
would find they would all unite, with one voice, 
to declare, your heart is not only as bad as I have 
represented it, but a thousand times worse. 
' You are a rough painter, truly.' Not rougher 
than the word of inspiration, nor so rough as a 
gentleman, who will one day meet with you, and 
who will handle you to purpose. What think you 
of iMoses ? The sovl that sins shall die. What 



IA2 MEMOIRS OP ELDER BOTSFOREo 

think you of Jesus Christ ? He that believeth not 
sh/ill be damned. What think you of an awakened, 
an accusing conscience, which will set all your 
misdeeds before you; which will bring to your 
remembrance all your vain thoughts, frothy con- 
versation, neglect of Sabbath opportunities, of 
prayer, of self-examination, of reading God's 
word, of repentance and faith > * I did not think 
xny good friend Mr B. entertained such an opin- 
ion of me.' Mr. B. is your good friend, and yet 
he considers you an enemy to God and goodness, 
a slave to the devil and your own lusts ; he firmly 
believes, if you should die in the state which he 
believes you are now in, that you will continue an 
enemy to God forever ; that the God who made 
you will sentence you to eternal misery ; and Mr. 
B. thinks, in so doing, he will by no means act 
out of character, nor different from the decte?^ 
tions wiiicli he lias repeatedly made to you, in the 
most solemn manner. Consider Mr. J., is he a 
God, and shall falsehood be found in him ? Can 
you, dare you indulge the vain thought, that, for 
your sake, he will alter the thing that has gone 
out of his lips ? He will not ; but be you assured, 
if.you do not turn to him with your whole heart, 
his justice will light on you, he will execute eter- 
nal punishment upon you. When I tell you these 
things, you can evade the force of them, and your 
natural politeness prevents you from unbecoming 
behaviour ; but you go away, and sin again, and 
do not the things you are required. I tell you, 
jf you continue this practice, the eternal God will 
be aroused to anger, and swear you shall not enter 
his rest. When you are summoned to his bar, 
you must obey ; then no evasion will do ; you 
must answer to all that is alleged against you. 
And how will you answer ? in the name of God 5 
bow will you answer ? William ! if ever grace 



MEMOIR'S OP ELDER BOTSFOHD. 143 

reaches your poor, blind, hard, unbelieving heart, 
you will have a worse opinion of it lhan any other 
person can. I sincerely wish you mav make the 
discovery in time but believe me, I greatly tear 
for you I consider j ou in a dangerous situation. 
I shall not think it strange to see you at the left 
hand of the Judge, when we shall all make our 
appearance at his bar God grant it may be 
otherwise. If it should be, a great change must 
lake place. 1 ' 

TO THE SAME. 

M Georgetown, SepL 25, 1803. 
ii Dear young friend,™Ypur favor of the 12th 
inst. 1 received the other day : 1 thank you for it. 
I am pleased that you are disposed to treat the 
subject, on which 1 wrote, with seriousness. My 
young friend is mistaken for once in his conjec- 
tures respecting my opinion of the arguments he 
Was about to adduce. I &o not consider them as 
sophisms, but as truths. The grand mistake 
my friend seems to lie under, I am afraid, is, that 
the inability he pleads is an excuse. Now did 
the inability proceed from the privation of any 
faculty, it might be an excuse. For instance, was 
it your duty to come to Georgetown, and you had 
no other inability to plead but disinclination, 
jrou know it would not be allowed, in any 
court, as a lawful objection. Had you bro- 
ken your leg, had you a fever, your excuse 
would be admissable. Apply it. Suppose your- 
self at the bar of the Almighty. l Your reasons, 
Sir, for not believing, for not being religious ?' * I 
was unable.' * What rendered you unable ? 
Were you not informed it was my pleasure ? Did 
I not lay my commands onyou ? Did you not see 
these commands ? From whence did your ina- 
bility arise ? ? * 1 had no iudinaUvD J 1 loved sin 3 



144 MEMOIRS OP ELDER BOTSFORB, 

my heart was at enmity against thee ; I hated 
thee uj ; c1 thy ways, and therefore I could not love 
thee.' Now ask yourself, if this kind of inability 
is admissible Mid yet this is the kind which pre- 
vents you from believing Well then, I inter jou 
Will stand condemned. 4 0, but Mr. Botsford, I 
can; ot believe without divine influences, yourself 
beingjudge ' Granted, granted. Have you theo 
asked, sought, hogged of God with all your heart 
for tlKse ? ' JNo Sir, I have rot seen the neces- 
sity ' YY hat have you been doing afl your life ? 
U herr is your Bibl* ? Where is your Consci- 
ence ? Where is j cur reason ? Consult these, 
and you must see the necessit}. However, be 
it known unto you, you are favored with ilivint) 
influences, if not in a direct, immediate manner, 
you have (hem in an indirect, mediate way. You 
have the Bible, -written by divine inspiration; 
you sit under the preaching of the gospel of those 
who are assisted by divine influences ; and let 
me ask you, or rather a*k yourself, what kind of 
influence is that which, at particular times, in- 
duces ycu to acced to ihe truths you sometimes 
read, sometimes bear, that how and then produ- 
ces a wish that you could be really religious ? 
Take care, my young friend, you do not sin against 
light so long, that God shaJl say, ' let him alone. 7 
1 should think you had some excuse, were you to 
be diligent in curbing your sinful inclinations, 
striving against them, diligently using eveiy mean 
the woid of God, your own conscience, and reasoa 
dictated, and that with all seriousness, sincerity, 
and with a determination to obtain mercy and find 
grace, or perish in the attempt. But no, no ; 
this advice-does not quadrate with your inclina- 
tion for sin f If God 'will condescend to com- in 
some remarkable way, and produce the excite- 
ment, I ui?-y then, perhaps, p*y some attention to 



KEMOIRS OF ELDER BOTSFORD. 145 

serious things. ' So then Moses and the Pro* 
phets, the Apostles, Jesus Christ and his com* 
niauds, the example of aH good men before you, 
are no inducement for William Johnson to seek 
religion. Suppose one was to arise from the 
dead, one of the damned souls to be embodied, 
and present himself in all the flaming colors of 
the bottomless pit ; or one of the glorified saints 
in ail the radiancy of the celestial world, your 
own ever honored parent for instance ; what 
could they say, but refer you to Moses and the 
Prophets, Jesus Christ, and the gospel which 
commands, invites, persuades, and encourages 
poor sinners to come to God and be happy. 

" Well, iny young friend, a word of advice, 
which I am not ashiraed to give, neither need 
you be ashamed to follow. 

1. Read a portion of scripture every day — not 
large ; but think, meditate on it a little, and see 
if it will in any sense apply to you. 

2. Pray in secret every day, pray for light, for 
conversion. 

o. Converse as opportunity presents about se- 
rious tilings, with serious persons. 

4. Guard against every sin, even the smallest, 
remembering the smallest is sin-, as well as the 
greatest 

5. When you attend preaching, hear for your- 
self. In these things act seriously, rationally, 
diligently, and perseveringly. In the mean time, 
I charge you before God not to associate with 
vain wicked company. Now William Johnson, 
you know me, and you know 1 do not mean you to 
live a monkish life, but a sociable, rational, reli- 
gious life. 

11 1 am glad to hear religion is still on til;* re- 
vival ; may it long continue on the increase. ! I 
13 



146 MEMOIRS OP ELDER BOTSFORD. 

may not this harvest pass over, and leave mf 
friend in an unconverted state V 1 

We think it proper to introduce, in this con^ 
nexion another letter to Mr. Johnson, though 
bearing a later date than the one that comes af- 
ter it, 

" Georgetown, Oct. 31, 1804. 

u Dear Mr. Johnson, — Your favor of the 20ih 
inst. has refreshed my soul, and caused my heart 
to leap for joy. Although 1 expected from Mr. 
Cook's letter to hear you had joined the church, 
yet when I read the account with which you fa- 
vored me, I was quite unmanned that I could 
frequently hear such things ! Well, my dear, 
dear friend, now you have realized, at least iq 
part, what it is to lejoice with joy unspeakable 
and full of glory. Had you any conception that 
religion could afford any thing like what you have 
experienced ? Had you not more real satisfac- 
tion in one hour, than ever you enjoyed in all sin- 
ful pleasures ? 1 will answer for you. 4 Sir, 
from what 1 wrote to you, you can have hut a ve* 
ry faint conception of what 1 felt ; 1 felt heaven 
b? gun in my soul.' You did so, my friend ; and 
I trust you have commenced a life that will ne- 
ver end ; a life of faith, a life of love, a life of 
lioliness, which will terminate in a life of glory. 
O Johnson, if a;> emperor tou!d know your happi- 
ness, he would cheerfully resign his crown to be 
in your situation 

w4 lou have joined the church, but remember, 
it is the church militant. You have commenced 
a warfare against self, sin and the devil. Many 
have the devil often in their mouths — the devil is 
in this, the devil is in that, &c ; and now my 
friend, you nill find v. hat it is to have to do with 
him, lie w ill frequently meet you in prayer. 



MEMOIRS 0? ELDER BOTSF0RD. 14 f ^ 

and in every duty of a religious nature ; and you 
must oppose him In order to do it to purpose^ 
two things you will find very necessary, viz. 1st* 
To live near to Ood. 2dly To put on the whole 
armour of God I must add, 3dly. Learn to use 
your spiritual weapons skilfully, and let nothing 
discourage you. You will recollect your divine 
Redeemer, soon after his baptism, was led into 
the wilderness, for what ? to be tempted. It is 
probable you may be also ; but then you know* 
your master was there before you. If this should 
be vour case, you will not forget, that he will not 
suffer you to be tempted more than he will give 
you grace to enable you to bear ; he will help 
you to escape from the snare of the devil. You 
have also the world to contend with. But of all 
your enemies, you will find none so bad as oil 
Johnson ; yes, VVilliam the old man, with his 
deeds you will find a troublesome companion as 
long as you live. Now shall I be plain and deal 
honestly with you ? I did so when I considered 
you in an unconverted state ; surely, then, you do 
not wish to be flattered now. I do believe you 
expect, if any of your friends will deal plainly 
with you, I shall. Yes, my young friend, I love 
you too well to feed your vanity ; at the same 
time I wish ever to do you justice. As an in- 
stance of it, I with pleasure assure you, your 
views of baptism please me much ; I think them 
truly spiritual ; they convey to me such ideas 
as I cannot well express. I really believe you 
are a Baptist from right convictions of the truth. 
14 Well, but not to forget the old man, we men- 
tioned awhile ago- Here, my friend, stop and 
put up a short prayer, that God would enable you 
to receive what follows in love. My dear friend, 
I earnestly entreat you to watch yourself very 
narrowly ; guard against spiritual pride* Yon 



148 MEMOIRS OF ELDER BOTSFOfUJ>, 

know some of your enemies ; you mentioned Uyq 
dangerous ones, pride arid vanity. If I am nol 
mistaken, those two sins have robbed many a 
christian, and most assuredly will beset you. Hu- 
mility, real humility, is a great grace ; but re- 
member it is easily counterfeited. let it be 
your constant prayer .to God, ever to keep you 
humble A truly humble heart, is what hut too 
few christians are rightly acquainted with. I 
will take the liberty of mentioning a few things, 
which, if properly attended to, will have a happy 
tendency to keep you humble. 1st. Keep your 
heart with all diligence. This implies a knowl- 
edge of it. You have a vain, proud, deceitful 
one. Try to detect pride in its first risings, in 5 
and after, the performance of duties, 2dly. Con- 
sider what you are, and what you have are all 
from God. 3d!y. Consider how far short you 
come of that holiness, that love, that engaged- 
Hess, that humility, that heavenly mindedness^ 
that disinterestedness in your very best perform* 
ance of any duty, which you ought to possess. 
4thly. Consider that God is privy to every thought 
that passes through your mind ; he sees all your 
views, knows all your intentions, and nothing will 
pass with him but honesty, uprightness, and down- 
right sincerity. All, all must be in conformity to 
his word ; no part of experience is of any worth 
in his sight but what is agreeable to his word ; no 
duty but what he directs is acceptable ; his honor, 
his glory must be uppermost ; his will must be 
your rule of duty. I mean his revealed will ; 
and permit me to tell you, the highest degree of 
real religion is a perfect resignation to the will of 
God, and a real desire that it should be done at 
all tiaiRS, in all places, and with and in ail things. 
I said keeping the heart implies a knowledge of 
it. Do you examine yours well; and you will find 



MEMOIRS OF ELDER EOTSFORD* 149 

imny seeds of the old man, many diabolians to 
crucify : you will find some of them hard, very 
hard to slay, especially pride and vain glory. But 
let nothing discourage you, for more are they that 
are for you, than they that are against you. God 
will never leave you ncr forsake you. 

"I tharik you for the confidence you repose in 
me ; J trust I shall not abuse it. Wiih respect 
to your call to the ministry, I would advise ycu to 
be v*ry careful for the following reasons- I* 
It is a matter of great importance. 2. Yevy 
much depends on it, both in the world, and in tha 
church ; both in time and eternity ; to yourself 
and others. To yourself. You will have muck 
to do, and much to bear. You ought to have that 
which will support you in a storm. A storm you 
may experience from within, and from without ; 
from the world, and your own heart : from Satan* 
and many other quarters. To others. You may- 
be a great blessing, or you may be a great curse 
to many. my friend, act cautiously ; it is con- 
secrated ground on which you tread. Examine. 
O examine well your views, your motives, your 
ends ; remember all the way you go, the great 
God of heaven and earth eyes you. Lay open 
your whole heart to him ; earnestly entreat his 
guidance and direction ; do this in truth and sin- 
cerity, and he will afford you light and assistance- 
Cultivate the intimacy and friendship, which sub- 
sists between you and dear Mr. 0. ; consult him 
in every step you take, and be very careful of 
ever hurting his feelings. I consider Dr. Fur- 
man a great man of God. I really think he has 
the cause of God at heart above most men ; I 
esteem him as a truly gracious person, of ^reat 
experience, a man of very great prudence, and of 
a sound judgment, and consequently, a proper 
person to advise with on a matter of such impor 
13* 



ISO MEMOIRS. OF ELDER BOTSFORD, 

tance. I think I speak the mind of our dear friend 
C-, and of every other minister in our connexion ; 
nor do I mean to depreciate any of my brethren 
in the ministry by what I write. My friend C, 
who is, in many respects, a belter judge of Dr. 
Furman's abilities than I can be, will, 1 am sure, 
subscribe to what I have written, and add more 
to it. Weil, engage Mr. C. to consult with my 
friend, the Doctor, on the subject. 

c ' November 1st. This day I enter upon my 
sixtieth year. Thirty and eight years have I liv- 
ed in the service of my blessed Redeemer ; in 
which time I have seen and felt great changes. 
Thirty three years a preacher ; the pastor of a 
church thirty one years ; have baptized 288 per- 
sons, preached about 4500 sermons, and have rode 
upwards of 70,000 miles ; have married four 
"wives, and have had twelve children, live only 
of whom are Jiving. What a chequered iife ! — 
In the month of August, 1773, 1 preached 42 
sermons, rode 620 miles, and baptized 21 per* 
sons. Now had my whole life been employed as 
that one month, it had been an active life. When 
i reflect how very far short my labours hare 
been, to some of my ministering brethren, I feel 
ashamed and confounded ; at the same time I feel 
thankful I have not been left to bi ing disgrace oa 
the cause of God, as many poor creatures have- 
If you should engage in the ministry, 1 hope you 
will be more diligent ?.nd more successful. 

4t 1 sincerely congratulate you on the eonver- 
slon of Mrs. Johnson, and on her safe delivery, 
You are now a father, may you bring up your 
child in the fear of God. 

<c I well remember a sentence in a letter I re- 
ceived from a friend in London, soon after my 
conversion : it has often been of service to me, 
perhaps it may to you. It is as follows : c You 



MEMOIRS "OP ELDER BOTSFORD. 151 

will ever remember, my dear young friend, the 
eyes of the world will be on you ; the eyes of the 
church will be on you ; but what, above all, should 
influence your conduct, the eyes of God will be 
continually on you ; the former to wait for your 
halting ; the other to watch over you ; and the 

latter for fruitfulness.'* If you approve of my 

freedom, continue to write ; if you wish for 
smooth things, dont expect them from me. I 
will endeavor to do justice to your exercises and 
your character ; but I wilL not feed your van- 

itj. 

" O William ! God has done great things for 
you ; where much is given, much will be re- 
quired. You will not forget that all your trials, 
los&es, crosses, are to be in this world. Not 
one will be sent but will be for your good. You 
should not meet them half way, but never let 
them overtake you unprepared for them : then 
they will work the peaceable fruits of righteous- 



CHAPTER X. 

Extracts from his Letters, continued, 

TO MR. INGLESBV. 

u Georgetown, July 25, 1S04 
u What a world we live in ! nothing perma- 
nent and durable. You and I must change too. 
Well, if by grace we are prepared for the change, 
it will be a happy one. In the world we next 
enter, all changes cease. Sometimes, when I 
meditate on future glory, I long to make the ex 
periment of the great change ; however, our hea- 
venly Father knows best when to call for us 



152 MEMOIRS OF EIDER BOTSFOR2), 

Whenever that shall be, may we be found in a 
waiting posture, having our lamps trimmed, and 
our loins girded, and be ready for the important 
journey. my dear Sir, what a blessed, holy, 
joyful, happy company, shall we meet at the very 
portals of heaven ! In the midst, and in unspeaka- 
ble glory, shall we behold the Lamb, the Lamb 
of God, the ever adorable Redeemer. The sight 
of him will fill our enraptured souls with love di- 
vine ; our tongues will then be unloosed ; yes, 
then, my dear Sir, I think I shall match you ia 

songs of praise. Do you question that? Well, 

when we get there, we'll settle that point.' 5 

TO MR. COOK, 

" Georgetown 3 June 4, 1S05. 

" I have preached on Saturday afternoons to 
the children ; a plan I had formed before Johnson 
came here, but which he introduced, and which 
I mean to continue through the summer, if they 
continue to attend. I did so many years ago in 
Charleston, which w r as evidently blessed to seve- 
ral, as I hope it will be in this place* About 
thirty children give regular attendance ; some of 
them appear attentive. 

" I feel the infirmities of age creeping fast on 
me ; I feel myself pretty fast descending to my 
long home. O grave !■ thou terrific, yet pleasing 
place ! There the weary are at rest. How 
gloomy would be the prospect, if there was no 
hope beyond it. But, blessed be God, I have a 
good hope through grace of triumphing over it. 
In the mean while, I wish to converse with it dai- 
ly, and improve the evening of the day, that all 
that is terrible in it may subside, and I cheerfully 
-enter it, full of faith and hope in my Saviour's 
righteousness. Thea may I shout, c grave 



&EMOTUS OP ELDER BOTSfrOfc&. IS| 

Inhere is thy victory, and where death thy 
sting !' " 

TO DR. FURMAN. 

" Georgetoion, .March 13, 1807. 
<c T will relate a curious anecdote. Last Lord's 
day was very wet ; very few attended service in 
the morning ; and it was concluded if the rain 
continued, not to meet in the afternoon. It rain- 
ed ; we did not meet The Episcopal church 
dii, After the service in the Episcopal church 
was done, a sailor came to my house inquiring 
for the minister who preached in the Baptist 
ii) ting I was the person* The man appear- 
ed intoxicated ; his speech was almost inarticu- 
late. At length he burst into tears, which gave 
vent to his speech, and I soon found it was not in- 
toxication, but that he was overcome with grati- 
tude and praise to the God of his salvation. He 
gave me the following relation. 

He was born and raised in Charlestowri, hear 
Boston, had followed the seas from his youth ; 
the last five or six years had been serious, and 
when he attended any place of worship it was 
among the Baptists, of which denomination some 
of his family were. The vessel, in which he 
now sailed, lay on the other side of Sampit ; he, 
with some of his comrades crossed in a boat to 
attend some place of worship in the afternoon, 
in the rain, lie found our place of worship shut ; 
he strolled into the Episcopal church, not expect- 
ing any benefit or satisfaction. But when the 
minister was reading a psalm, which calls on the 
sun, moon and stars to praise the Lord, such a 
strange sensation seized him, and he felt so desi- 
rous to praise God, that he could scarce refrain 
from breaking out in loud praises to God for hia 
gooducss, for his love, for his greatness, power 



164 



MEMOIRS OP ELDER BOTSFORD, 



and slory. God appeared to him such as he had 
Uever considered him before ; and after awhile, 
as a gracious sin-forgiving God to him a poor sin- 
ner. Now he wished every person and thing to 
praise him. 

wfc When he had done his relation, almost the 
first thought with me was, neither rain nor snow, 
heat nor cold, shall, w 7 hen in health, prevent my 
going to church. If any come, well ; if not, t 
am in njy duty." 

T0 MR. JOHNSON. 

u Georgetown, June 4, 1807. 

** I expect by this time you be^in to meet with 
difficulties of various kinds. The way is not 
strewed far with roses, but a good deal of it plant- 
ed with thorns ; but it is still the w r ay, a good 
way, a safe way, an honourable way, and the 
best and only way ; the way all the saints have 
walked in, and will bring you safely home at last. 
If there were not variety, it would not be so en- 
tertaining ; and if there weFe no troubles nor fa« 
tignes, rest at the end would not be so sweet, 
nor should we have so much to admire and be 
thankiul for. Afflictions are good teachers ; th& 
more we have of them, the more we learn of 
God, ©f ourselves, of the world ; and the more 
useful we may be to our fellow-travellers. What 
life can be compared to a life of usefulness ? this 
Will be matter of praise to all eternity. 

64 I cannot give you much direction with res- 
pect to what is commonly called human learning, 
for a very good reason ; but I have been so long 
in the habit of teaching, that I must be aiming at 
some kind of instruction, especially when writing 
to my son. Well then, suppose, in the first place, 
I strike at preparation for the pulpit. Charity 
begins at homt j but it must not end there : then 



MEMOIRS OP ELDER BOTSFORD. 155 

get your heart engaged from such considerations 
as fh<* following ; \ I am going to deliver a mes- 
sage of the greatest importance — to persons who 
tvill b/* the better or worse for what I say fore- 
ver to persons who are what I once was, and to 
persons, who, like myself, profess to be followers 
of the Lamb. I have many enemies to encoun- 
ter, a proud heart, a vain heart, a distrustful 
heart ; the devil at my elbow suggesting either 
flattery or discouragement ; the eye of my God 
npon me ; the spirit to assist me ; the promise of 
my Master's presence. I may be an instrument 
of eternal good to some ; it may be the last time: 
before next Lord's day, that poor wicked youth, 
that grey-headed sinner, that obliging neighbor, 
that patriotic citizen, may lift up theii eyes in 
remediless torment, if, in the mean time, they 
are not brought to Jesus. 1 myself may go down 
to the silent grave ; if successful to-day, angels 
will rejoice ; another star in my crown; another 
subject to my Redeemer's kingdom ; another soul 
saved from hell ; another cause for praise, for hu- 
mility and further dependence ; another piece of 
good news for my christian friends.' With such 
thoughts as these, you will rot enter the pulpit 
with an intention to act the buffoon, or the pedant; 
but to act the part of a rational creature, of a 
servant of God, a fellow faborer with your divine 
Master : your hearers will consider you in earn- 
ests aiming at the good of their souls and the glo- 
ry of God. With such thoughts, you will not. 
preach yourself, but Jesus Christ the Lord ; you 
will feel what you say, you will leave JVlr. John- 
son at home, and carry Christ with you, and a de- 
pendence on God for success. 

lk With respect to subjects, I have observed 
abstruse ones are seldom very beneficial ; not 
merely logical too often ; much reasoning will not 



1£6 MEMOIRS OF ELDER BOTSKORD. 

profit the majority, not but that in every sermon 
it ma\ be u>ed. Conviction— conversion — chris- 
tian exeicise — 1( mptalions — trials — hypocrisy — 
salvations-characters of God and Christ — glory 
of the church — heaven — hell — faith — hope — love 
—-repentance-— grace — godliness — false hopes — 
sinners excuses, hiding places — devil, his devices 
to deceive — the world, iis allurements, its uncer- 
tainty, and unsatisfactory nature, &c &c. if you 
are not weary of reading, 1 am of writing in this 

strain 

'•Poor me ! here I am hammering away, but 
to what purpose God only knows.* 5 

TO MR. INGLESBT. 

" Georgetown y Marih 9, 1808. 
"When I thought myself first called to the 
ministry, to be the instrument of the conversion 
of one soul, to me appeared worth a whole life 
spent in the service. So it is, When we con- 
template the state of a soul in happiness millions 
of ages, how delightful ! Well, I hope some of 
the 305, which I have baptized, will be of the 
number of those, who will unite in eternal praise 
to our great and adorable fmmanuel. In these I 
have rejoiced on earth, and hope to rejoice wish 
them in heaven. But still I wish for a few more 
before | go. If God has not much people in this 
place, surely he has some. Where are they ? I 
can't find them, cant leach them. Well, the arm 
of the Lord can. W-e well then go en in the use 
of the means, leaving it with him who is almighty 
to save, and who will save all whom he has de- 
signed. Neither the world, nor sin, nor devil, 
shall prevent. No, no ; Christ will lose none of 
those, who were given to him of the Father. Do, 
|») worthy brother and friend, pray with me for 
cne old Jlir. Snail-come, to visit us ; and tbenypu'H 



MEMOIRS OP fcLDER BOTSFORD. 15? 

bear good news from Georgetown. My people 
shall be willing in the day of my power.*' 

TO THE SAME. 

<; Georgetown, Oct. 14, 1S3S, 
16 Now all trial — hereafter all rest. This is 
#ur comfort, the people of God, by being put into 
the furnace, lose nothing* but dross ; and by and 
by death will take it all away. Sometimes, when 
1 think how near I must be to the end of all sin 
and sorrow, I feel delighted ; but these, I must 
confess, are golden moments. However, ray re- 
ligion leads me to conceive, the Gospel, the Gos- 
pel of Christ, is for sinners. I know, 1 f e i 1 , I 
daily feel 1 am a sinner ; and as a sinner, and a 
vile one too, I have hope in Christ. Now and 
then 1 see such a fill ess in him, I cannot c':ubt ; 
but alas ! unbelief often deprives me of that bles- 
sed sight. Well, unbelief will not always reign ; 
no, blessed be God, even now 1 trust grace reigns, 
and unbelief is an intruder, ray dear brother, 
what great debtors to grace will every child of 
God be ! How will heaven ring and echo front 
one end to the other, with grace ! grace ! Not a 
soul there but will sing of grace, redeeming grace, 
and d\in2; love. Grace firsi contrived the plan ; 
then grace is the Alpha : grace carries on the 
whole work and closes the scene ; then grace is 
the Omega — the first and the last. May you and 
I, and millions more, experience this grace in 
every ti no of need here below ; then wiil wo 
sing of grace to all eternity." 

TO THE SAME. 

"deorgelowvii May 3J If 180S. 
cc In the mean time, we will talk of the i > 
Jesus ; we will seek for closer conifiui lion ivitli 
him. We will trim our Ump$ 3 und .'> Co' 

J4 



.k)S iiEliOXttiS OV ELDER BOTSFORIh 

meet our Bridegroom. If the company, the con- 
versation, the union of saints are so desirable, so 
profitable, so delightful in this vale of tears, what 
must it be, when tears, all tears, all occasion for 
tears, shall be done away, and our souls filled 
with ulory. I have frequently thought, that when 
redemption comes, we shall be astonished we 
hnew so little of heaven. Then, O then, my 
brother, will Christ be glorified What acclama- 
tions of praise, what ascriptions of glory to the 
wondrous Redeemer ! If on earth he spake as 
never man spake, though clothed in flesh and 
I)locd ; what must be the subject, the language, 
when clothed in immortal glory, when unfolding 
the wonders of grace, of victory, of glory i How 
will the redeemed millions hang upon the words ! 
How will the soul drink in the grand, the impor- 
tant truths ! It will be as the liver of water of 
life. If Peter was so transported on the mount ; 
what will he be in heaven ! What shall you and 
I be, to behold such ineffable glory shining in the 
Jace of our blessed Immanuel ; to hear word* of 
glory proceed from his blessed lips ; and to find 
ourselves of the happy number, to whom these 
things shall be addressed. glory ! glory !' 5 

TO MR* JOHNSON. 

"Georgetown, Oct. 19, 1809. 
** My dear Son, now begin anew; forget the 
past, and now show yourself a man of God. I 
meat, study hard; preach often; pray much; 
converse some; be watchful over your flock; ne- 
ver omit the least duty connected with your office. 
Xtise early, but not sit up too late ; prize every 
irir.menij 'and let it not pass in absolute idleness. 
I drt -amed lost night 1 was in company with Mr. 
■\Ycr-! 'v : ! thougfcl he came to see me, and bis 
)le csiyJiict pleased me much. I thought he 



MEMOIRS QF ELDER EOTSFO^i). 1 5ft 

tsras one of the most active men I ever saw. Wfi 
walked arm in arm, and as we walked he observ- 
ed, fc lose 10 time — I >se no time.' It has impres- 
sed my mind, though only a dream, So I saj? f 
c lose no time.' I, p-»or wretch, huve lost a great 
deal ; that is a reason why you should lose none. 

4 * Remember, my son, the eyes that will be oa 
you ; the characters that will either secretly or 
openly oppose you ; your own weakness ; your 
soul, body, and family trials ; the world's trials ; 
also remember, you have a remedy at hand for 
all ; The Biblr. 0, be a Bible Christian, a 
Bible Minister ; let the word of God b .5 all and 
all with you : read it ; study it ; pray over it ; 
compare one art with another ; believe it ; aye, 
that's the point, believe &, and then you need not 
fear a host, a host even of devils. Say you, 
*why, my father, you have told all these things 
before :.' very well ; thou I stir up your memo- 
ry. I suppose you know them all: then, my dear 
sosi, happy will you be if you do them. God Al- 
jftighty help and strengthen you, that you fail ncU 

" Yesterday evening I finished the piece I men- 
tioned to you, and hope it will soon reach Colum- 
bia. Now mind what I say about it. Do yoiK 
carefully read it, make up your own mind res- 
pecting it ; i. e. whether such a piece will be of 
service, cr if it will have any tendency to hi. 
our cause ; if any alterations or additions are ne- 
cessary. No doubt the language is not corre 
but that can easily be rectified by a friend. Weil 
then, write in a concise manner your most candid 
opinion ; then show it to others as prudence may 
direct, and as candidly note their observations of 
every kind. You need not mention the author to 
any, only under the rose. If you see proper ti) 
show it to the President, and he should QOnde 
cend to give it a reading, I should be fond of' fail 



IGO 



MEMOIRS OP ELDER BOTSFORIK 



candid opinion about it. Now my dear son, Ac' 
not you mistake me ; I wish for no palaver : no, 
you will not offend me by relating the worst that 
may be said of it. I seek not applause. I wisll 
in the most secret manner, or any manner, to ad- 
vance my dear Master's cause — that is my aim. 
And as I am w y eH acquainted with the genius op 
the hack country people, I cannot but think some- 
thing, in such a short familiar way, might be of 
service, more so than a learned, labored piece — 
I mean among the common people Yet I do no(> 
wish to have any thing published, that would ex- 
]30se the Baptists to ridicule. As for myself, if 
that was all, they might laugh at me till they 
cracked their sides ; but not as a Baptist, be- 
cause, in that case, the eause would suffer.— — 

" I am a sort of an everlasting scribler ; wri- 
ting is pleasant to me. Did I' but understand the 
English language weM, and had any knowledge of 
composition, I should write on many subjects. But 
I have such a round-about way of writing, and 
such an awkward way of expressing myself, es- 
pecially I use so many words to express an idea, 
a.id cannot methodize, that my writing never wilt 
be acceptable. I hope you will pay attention to 
composition, and learn to express your sentiments 
clearly and concisely, and then, if what you write, 
should not he elegant, it may be really useful. I 
would advise you to write your sermons frequent- 
ly, but not read them. Mind, I wisB you to be 
very busy and active ; give the devil no time to 
tempt you. I tell you, the active, busy man, is 
not such a bait for Satan> as the idler. You see, 
my son, I can't write to you, but I put on the old 
iftan : well, I am old ; you wiil therefore excuse 
me. I love you, and therefore F make free with 
you. Yes, and when I think or hear of your do- 
ing wrong, will- scold you ; and if you do not like 



MEMOIRS OP ELDER BOTSFORIK 16* 

ft, I will give you up a while, and let out at you 
again. You shall hear of "your faults from me a3 
long as I live. You are a Baptist, and I wisl* 
them all to be good men, useful men, aa honos 
to the cause." 

TO THE SAME.- 

" Georgetown, June 30, 1810: 
cc The next thing is to settle your interest, so> 
as to be productive, and leave you free for the 
work of the Lord. My dear son, remember tho- 
work, in which you are engaged, will require ali 
you are possessed of; your time, your talents, 
your prayers, your all. Now, (I mean when you 
have put your worldly matters in a train the least 
to hinder you) engage with new ardor and zeal. 
Your time insensibly steals away ; and let me tell 
you, it will be a poor consolation to let it slip as 
1 have done. O Johnson, my son ! stir up all that 
is in you to act for God. Yourself, your family, 
your church, and finally the world have demands 
on you ; I must also add, your friends, ist* Your- 
self. Acquire all the knowledge you can ; ha- 
bituate yourself to secret prayer ; curb all unru- 
ly passions ; acquire as much as you can of every 
thing that is pleasing ; study well your sermons, 
and an animated delivery. Get your mind well 
impressed with the worth of souls, the honor and 
glory of God, and value of his cause. Let your 
duty be your delight, and attend conscientiously to 
every part of it — study it well. Guard against 
formality ; let your whole conduct announce that 
you are an hoiest, upright, candid man, and a 
faithful minister of Jesus Christ. 2Jly. Your fa- 
mily. Often and freely converse with your wife 
respecting yours, and her experience ; often pray 
with her in private, and get her also to pray. 
Wien conrana about the management of j 
if 



162 memoirs of elder botsford* 

childien and servants. Always show a proper re- 
gard for the interest, temporal and spiritual, of 
each member of your family. 3dly, Your church. 
Ah, your church What shall I say on this head ? 
Be sure you well observe scripture rules ; al- 
ways labor with all your might for unanimity ; if 
possible avoid any conclusion without it. Take 
great pains to convince every one of the truth, 
the propriety, the advantage of your conclusion. 
Every matter of moment, consider it well : let 
every member of your church see that their wel- 
fare lies near your heart. Often inquire into 
their state. Be careful of introducing any thing, 
that you have not a c thus saith the Lord' for. 
Lead them, by piablie and private discourses, to 
a proper knowledge of discipline, and well inform 
their minds on the great leading doctrines of the 
gospel. As much as possible, induce them to 
'live- christians ; live in love one with another, 
If you can, introduce praying societies ; praying 
*U the church meetings, for business : if possible, 
have a praying church. 

" 4th!y, The world. Your appearance and your 
family's appearance in the world, your dealings 
m the world, your common conversation among: 
the men of the world ; these things must be at- 
tended to. Nor 5thly, are your friends to be for* 
gotten. Remember them in prayer, as well a& 
keep up a correspondence with them. Always 
consider their advice, whether you take it or noU 
Be careful not to express any thing in a way lia- 
ble to give offence. Ask advice in difficulties ; 
defend your friends chaxaeter as long as you con- 
sistently can. 

" There now my son, I have given you a good 
many texts ; do you improve them in the best 
%vay you can. It will always be a pleasure to 
sae> while I rataiamy senses* to hear of the weir 



MEMOIRS OF ELDER EOTSFORD. 163 

fare of m} son Johnson : and if among the manf 
hints, which from time to time I have taken the 
liberty to drop, any one should he of service to 
him, I shall be very thankful. I am persuaded 
from your general conduct towards me, and the 
particular regard you have at times manifested, 
you will not only not take amiss what I write to 
you in this free way, but will pay a serious atten- 
tion to such things as to you appear worthy of con- 
sideration. n 

TO THE SAMP. 

" Georgetown, March 2, 1811, 
" My dear son Johnson,— Your favor by Mr, 
Thomas's servant, I received safe, and thank 
you for it. You never need apologize to me for 
not writing, as I am convinced it is not for w r ant of 
respect ; and then you will not have to fill so ma- 
ny lines to inform me of your siding with the deviL 
Let me beg of you to let your motto be the re- 
verse of his. If you are at a loss for one, 1 will 
recommend one that is more easily pronounced, 
and more easily understood. Pro-cras-ti-na-ti-on 
is a long word, and a person must be something of 
a scholar to understand its meaning. But every 
ploughman, even Sambo, will understand the one 
I am about to recommend ; besides it is scriptu- 
ral, which is one of the best recommendations to 
a Baptist minister, and it is what I can recommend 
from a little of my own experience. Now. There, is 
rot tliat a good one ? You need not go to College to 
learn its meaning Let me apply it. JVoto, for 
the present, be content at Columbia, and wait or* 
the Lord, not in n dilatory manner, but in the di- 
ligent use of means. Perhaps my dear son falls 
short in the same way as does his father. I am 
sure I have not, as I ought to have done, looked 
beyond the mean* I feel, daily feel the necess ; 



164 



MEMOIRS OF EtDER BOTSFOHDk 



fy of looking to God, referring all to God, rlep 
rag wholly on God. Remember Christ is all in alL 

U you and I were more devoted to Christ, had his 
honor, his interest, his glory more at heart, we 
should do better. I wish you to be very careful, 
and watch against an uneasy spirit- Leave your 
concerns with the Lord ; beg, earnestly beg, not 
only his direction, but his immediate presence : 
the gracious presence of God is necessary, is 
comfortable ; and without it we are nothing, nor 
can do any thing to purpose. I sincerely pray 
you may be favored with much of the presence of 
God at your expected meeting for opening ano- 
ther house for the worship of God. May many 
sons and daughters be born there. 

%t This moment I have finished reading a letter 
of my dear brother Cook to Mr. Grant, acquaint- 
ing him with the death of Mrs. Cook. Poor, 
dear man, how I pity him ! The good Lord 
sanctify the heavy stroke to him. See my son. 
the necessity of living near to God, of living upon 
him. Infinite wisdom saw this fit, and infinite 
wisdom cannot err. Our temporal arTairs wilh 
never seem all right to us, till we get into eterni- 
ty : then, then, shall we see and know the whv 
and the wherefore. let us daily cast ourselves 
and our all upon him who careth for us, and can- 
not do wrong. May you, my dear son, be prepar- 
ed for whatever our Master has prepared for you = 
0. Improve every affliction, every mercy. 

l€ J am again laboring under the eye complain*. 
I was in some hopes of its leaving me since the 
stroke appeared of an apoplectic nature. Howe- 
ver, I wish to be all submission, and entirely com- 
mit myself, my complaint, my life and my death, 
both the time and the manner of it, to the Lord-, 
who knows what is best for me.' ? 



MEMOIRS OP ELDER BOTSFGHtf. 166 



TO MR. COOk. 

" Georgetown, Murch 5,1811* 

M My dear brother, — A few days ago I was fa- 
vored with the reading of your letter to Mr. 
Grant, giving an account of the decease of dear 
Mrs. Cook. No one can tell my feelings on the 
occasion, except they have experienced a trial of 
the sSne kind. O my friend, I entered with you 
into all those scenes of sorrow, which generally 
affect the heart of a person in your present situa- 
tion, and which I know are indescribable. No 
earthly affliction can be compared to it. The 
whole world is dead to you ; you have lost that 
which can never be found again There is the 
cutting stroke — she is gone — your dear, better 
self is gone, never, no never to return ! You miss 
the dear partner of your soul. Every where you 
call, but there is none to answer. That once 
stveet name will never nrore be pronounced in 
her hearing. 

" But what am I doing ? Forgive me, my dear 
friend ; I have no desire to rend wider open your 
bleeding wound. No, no ; would to God I could 
pour the healing balsam into your bleeding 
heart. I know you now think, could you call the 
globe your own, without your dear partner, you 
would spurn it from you. However, my dear 
brother, I doubt not, reflects that infinite wisdom 
saw this trial fit ; and infinite wisdom cannot err. 
I doubt not you try to submit with resignation to 
the stroke ; and though you cannot avoid mourn- 
ing, you wish not to murmur. Your loss is great ; 
but what is your loss to her gain ? Could you 
view her present situation, free, entirety free 
from sin ; in the presence of her adorable Jpsus, 
past the bitterness of dsa'Ji, yea, and all sorrow 
rind pain, minglrag praises with the redeemed 



166 MEMOIRS OP ELDEU BOTSrofcfc. 

throng, to that Saviour whom she loved while m 
this imperfect state, and whom she will now serve 
as she once wished to do, but could not for the re* 
mains of corruption 1 say, when you content 
plate her present happy, unspeakably happy situ* 
ation, you would not recal h*r to earth, and sin, 
and sorrow, and pain. Let this be your confla- 
tion, my brother, that you have a God, a God in 
Christ, to go to and pour out your soul's troubles. 
He and he only who gave the wound, can heal it. 
My dear afflicted brother, when you and I get to 
heaven, we shall then see that these heart-break- 
ing trials were all for the best. We must all be 
tried ; the Lord will try the righteous ; you and 
I must have our share. I hope we are children, 
sons, legitimate sons; theri let us look up to our 
Father for grace to help in time of need. I knotr 
it seems to you, at this time, as though God him* 
self could scarcely make up the loss. It is true, 
in one sense, the loss can never be repaired ; hut 
our heavenly Father can, and t trust will, in S 
way that will be most for Kis own glory, make op 
the breach. 1 hope, as the good Lord has been 
pleased to lay his band so heavily on you of late, 
it is yvUfe a view to prepare you for some signal 
service in his church, or for his presence in glory. 
The ways of God are often inexplicable to us 
mortals; but all is right, and when they come to 
pe unfolded to us, we shall see to our wonder and 
astonishment, that they were all the effect of in- 
finite wisdom, aye, and of infinite love top. I; 
know you may be liable to think these heavy tri- 
als have been sent in displeasure, and may cause 
you to draw unfavorable conclusions respecting 
your state. Satan may be permitted to suggest 
a thousand things to distract and torture you. But 
you know he is a liar. You wrll 3 therefore, my 



MEMOIRS OF ELDER BOTSFORS). 16? 

brother, have recount to the best weapons a- 
gamst bis assaults- prayer and faith. 

"My kindest respects to the dear mourning 
mother. Were I present, I would say to her, 
* You have now the consolation that you have a 
daughter in heaven You ore fast following after. 
May that God who remembered both mother 
and daughter when in sin. and call d them by his 
grace, by that grace support you, comfort you, 
and prepare you to follow in the steps of your 
blessed baviour, till you arrive at the sates of 
the New Jerusalem, where you will meet him 
who hath redeemed you by his blood, and by 
Whom you will be introduced to the company of 
the spirits of just men made perfect ; among 
whom you will meet yojur lovely child — your 
JEieanor V ** 

" And now, my dear brother, I sincerely wish 
and pray, that your late heavy trials may be. bles- 
sed and sanctified to you ; that you may come up 
out of the furnace purified from dross and all im- 
purity, and be enabled to live to the glory of 8od, 
and be a blessing to many souls." 

TO THE SAME. 

M Georgeloion, Jlpril 11, 1811. 

M For my own part, I consider myself on the 
very verge of eternity, uncertain when I shall be 
ordered to leave mortality. May I be found in 
Jesus ; then all will be well It is not improba- 
ble, however, that I may be called to suffer much 
more before I go : well, the will of God be done. 

" I have been a poor, useless plant ; a loiterer, 
rather than a laborer, in my Master's vineyard. 
But whatever my character, it is now almost 
made up, my sands are almost out. One, and my 
only comfort, with respect to acceptance, is, that 
I hope to zCaadj not in my own righteousness but 



168 1IEM01RS OF ELDER BOTSFORD. 

in tne righteousness of Christ, If I am deceived 
in this point, I am forever undone. Believe me f 
my dear friend, J must confess I see and feel my- 
self a greater sinner than I ever saw myself be- 
fore I have nothing, no, not one good thing- to 
say for myself. If God accepts me, it must be 
in the way of full, free, unmet ited grace. " 

TO MR. JOHNSON. 

u Georgetown. June 10, 181 L 
u Dear Son, — I often think of. and sometimes 
pray for you. Among the many thoughts respect- 
ing you, I often wish I were possessed of ability 
to be of real service to you, more especially in 
vour sacred calling.- I was verv forcibly struck 
with one expression in one of your letters ; viz. 
that of your sometimes reading my old ones. — 
Surely then, I ought to write something worth a 
second reading. I consider myself as a preacher 
out of date ; my labor — and truly sometimes it 
is labor indeed for me to preach, when each syl- 
lable is attended with an acuteness of pain equal, 
at least, to the thrust of a needle into the eye. 
This, my dear Son, is no exaggeration. I say my 
labor seems in vain, except to the poor blacks ; 
they indeed hear. I have had no less than ten or 
twelve of them lately in my study, telling me 
good news : seme will get tickets for baptism, 
some will not- But I was going to observe, that, 
as preaching is painful, and of little account as 
coming from me, and as writing does not distress 
rne, but is pleasing, I was thinking how I might 
be useful at second hand, or in an indirect way : 
no matter if not a soul on earth knew it, so that it 
proved itself in the sight of God. And as you 
have always professed a regard for me, and kind- 
ly accept my advice, and no doubt in some parti- 
culars pay attention to it \ I thought through you 



MEMOIRS OF ELDER BCTSFORD. 16& 

1 might be indirectly doing some good : then I 
should not live in vain. 

"There is no character I so much revere, as 
that of a real preacher of the gospel ; as I think 
no one has such an opportunity of being so essen- 
tially useful to his fellow men. But then there 
are degrees of usefulness in this line ; humanly 
speaking, he is the most likely to be the most 
useful, who strives the most to be so. If, howe- 
ver, it turns out otherwise, yet he certainly will 
be approved of his God, as performing his part ; 
and he will have an approving conscience, which, 
will be a continual feast. I am one of those, who 
believe there are but few rules laid down by the 
greatest writers en the subject, which are of mucli 
service to a preacher. Yet I believe on the other 
hand, by acquainting ourselves with what is writ- 
ten ; some assistance may be obtained, at least 
some things may be guarded against, which, in 
themselves, are disagreeable ; and let me tell 
you, when a preacher has nothing disagreeable, 
there must be many thlugs in turn agreeable, and 
if agreeable, -any be useful. - 

u 1 will give you my ideas how a sermon to 
please and profit me, should be delivered ; and 
then how I conceive the manner is to be attained. 
The introduction should be pertinent to the sub- 
ject, not to (it any sermon, not too far-fetched, 
not long, spoken deliberately, ? ith a voice just 
to reach the farthest person iu the house, so as 
with ease he can hear If you divide, be su.re, 
your divisions be clear, and easy to be understood ; 
and now look well to your audience, to se>» if they 
take in your meaning. As you proceed in explain* 
ing, proving, &e , accommodate your voice to the 
different parts of your subject l>e careful^ 
however, of yom strength; dent waste it*— re* 
k Id. 



i*iO MEMOIRS OF ELDER E0TSFORBo 

serve it for the application. Now prepare fot 
the main assault Remember, here is the place, 
now is (he time to engage all the powers of your 
hearers — the hard heart — the careless heart— the 
stupid heart — the prejudiced heart — the unbe- 
lieving heart — the sorrowful heart — the despond- 
ing heart — the hypocritical heart — and the formal 
heart : all these hearts to be attacked, to be sha- 
ken, to be won. 1 say heart, for the heait must, 
in the end, be ft ur principal arm : if the heart is 
not finally affected your labor is in vain. Now, 
in one word, to fit you for all this, your subject, 
and that in every part, must, to us who hear you, 
seem to come from your heart ; and that it may 
be what it should be, reality, enter into the spirit 
of your subject ; not get it by rote, but get it 
written on your own heart by the Spirit of Go#» 
Do you say, c physician heal thyself r* I cannot, 
my dear son ; my day is past Now h your day ; 
and I pray, sincerely pray, you may in this your 
day continue to improve ; and as you improve in 
speaking, may you increase in humility, and every 
grace. Remember, you must hate ballast as 
well as sari. Let not your ballast be prudence 
merely ; be sure get a good cargo ; a cargo not 
to fill up the hold only, but between decks, so 
that your vessel may be well balanced for every 
wind. Let the articles of your lading be such 
valuable, weigh y articles as faith, hope, leve, 
patience, fortitude, self denial, and perseverance 
in all godliness and sincerity ; and your arms the 
sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God ; 
together with all-prayer, and supplications to the 
Father of Spirits for his almighty, all-conquering 
power to attend the word ; then will you perforin 

wonders. 

4t Do not content yourself with one beautiful 
%%ali£catiett of a public speaker, but aim at *M 






MEMOIRS OP ELDER BOTSFO'RD. 171 

treaties ; nor be content win* « ve n all the exter- 
nal beauties ; look well to the inward adorning of 
the hidden, the new man. If your old man U as 
refractory as mine, you must have many a battle 
to keep hirn under. 

" The state of my eye complaint, at this time, 
is somewhat different from what it has ever beer*' 
It does not at any time hurt me only when I eat or 
speak. Every motion of my mouth produces a 
prickle in the eye. Yesterday I preached in the 
greatest torment I ever did ; but I fee! deter- 
mined while I can speak to preach. Who knows 
but what some, through pity to the speaker's 
pain, may some time reflect on what they have 
heard V 7 

T0 MR. INGLESBY, 

11 Georgetown, June 30, 181 f, 
u So you intend to become a country gentle*- 
iaaan. I suppose you don't mean to live in the 
country altogether. Will you excuse me if I 
please myself by proposing a few things for your 
consideration. 1 say please myself ; for what I 
may write may be of no essential service to you* 
1 love to scribble, especially to a friend, who will 
always put the best construction on my writing. 
In the first place, I consider you as well qualified 
lor a country life as any person I am acquainted 
with, who has lived so long in cities as you have. 
You have a line collection of books ; a companiou 
suited to your taste. You have seen the folly and 
frippery of cities. You begin to look for retire- 
ment from the hurry and bustle of the crowd* 
You have seen much of the world, and have made 
your observations on men and things ; so that, 
were you to continue a city life, you would wish 
to live the remainder of your days secluded from 
almost every thing but christian society* 



172 MEMOIRS OP ELDER BfrrarOfcB. 

" One very essential thing in a country life, is 
to lay it dovv» as a rule that home is to produce 
cur happiness. An excursion now and then, and 
a visitor occasionally will be agreeable. But 
our principal dependence is on ourselves, books, 
garden, field, alterations, repairs, additions, a 
ride, a walk, the shade, and the fire-side, and the 
good old fashioned, never-to-be-worn-out duty, 
prayer. All these alternately, will exercise the 
body and mind, and give a spring to life as we tra- 
vel down the hill. Perhaps an agreeable corres- 
pondent or two may add a high relish to all the 
rest ; but this must be perfectly free, or it maj 
aoi have that effect." 



CHAPTER XL 

Extracts from his Letters continued* 

TO MRS. THEUS. 

cc Dear Mrs. Theus, — Although husband and 
wife are one in a legal, matrimonial sense, they 
are not in every sense ; and although they enjoy 
many things equal in virtue of the marriage union, 
there are many things each enjoy for him or her- 
self. For instance, it is a satisfaction to you that 
Mr. Theus, has a corresponding friend ; but it is 
a greater satisfaction, if this same friend will also 
write a letter now and then to Mrs. Theus. Well, 
Jam the man. My friendship is a teasing friend- 
ship, however, it is honest. I very often write to 
my friends to please myself. True I do not mean 
to displease them, but rather to please ; but be- 
lieve me, I am seldom better pleased than when I 
am writing to a person for whom I have respect, 
and especially if I can hit upon a topic that I think 
xvill afford him pleasure,— Another thing, I am 



MEMOIRS OF ELDER BOTSFORD. 113 

very apt to act the parson in writing. I am so 
used to give advice, that I frequently do k 
unasked ; and sometimes it is well received, now 
and then perhaps not. Now I am going to give 
you a piece of advice ; and I seldom give advice > 
but what is of such a nature, that no good man 
need be ashamed of it. — Suppose I change the 
term and say I recommend. Well then, io the 
first place, I recommend that you be very 
careful of your health. This you know includes 
a great deal. To enjoy and continue in health, 
requires early rising, industry, a patient spirit, 
regularity, perseverance, &c. — Secondly. Ire- 
commend that you be very careful of your chil- 
dren. I need not say you must love them ; but I 
wish you to manifest that love in a proper man- 
ner. Dont be too fearful respecting their play, 
nor too indulgent respecting their food, nor spare 
the rod when necessary. — Thirdly. (You'll say 
I am preaching — Well, no matter, it will be a 
short sermon) — You must be very careful of your 
husband. 1. To please him. 3. To submit to 
him. 3. To pray for him. 4. Take care of his 
interest. Say you, c Mr. Botsford, you make 
very free.' Why, my dear Madam, would you 
not have me to be free? You also arc free to 
attend to my recommendations, or reject them. 
I do not write these things on the supposition that 
you are deficient in the practice, but to stir you 
-up to continue the practice. A lady never ap- 
pears so amiable to her husband, to her friend**, 
to the world at large, as when employed as above 
directed. Well, but say you, ' You have forgot- 
ten Mr. Theus; he has duties to perform too. 
No, no, I have not forgotten him; but we must 
not say all in one letter. Besides, you know it ifi 
polite to address the ladies first, and you do not 
wish me to be impolite. Auother reason be aid 
15* 



174 MEMOIRS OF ELDER B0TSF0R3* 

I may choose to write to him when I feel in a prs» 
per humour for it. You know when we write to 
a gentleman we must mind our P's and Q's, and 
grammar, and spelling, &c; whereas, when we 
-write to the ladies, we know they are not so rigid 
as to exact every punctilio. 

" Among all my recommendations, I had nearly 
neglected the principal one, I mean, to make 
yourself well acquainted w r ith the Bible. I will 
assert one thing respecting it ; though paradoxi- 
cal, it is a great truth, viz. you will never look 
into it, but you will find something new ; 1 mean 
•when you read it carefully It affords history, 
biography, every part of religion, and morality. 
T/e Baptists often talk of Bible Christians ; we 
esteem them the choicest. Well, give me a Br- 
ide wife. A lady, who takes the Bible for her 
j'ule of life, will make one of the best of wives* 
She will be lively, but not light ; humble, but 
3*ot mean ; frugal, but not niggardly ; a great 
economist of her time, her motiey, every things 
r Ihe religion of the Bible will not make her sour, 
but pleasant ; not make her a bigot, but catholic ; 
Dot a hypocrite, but sincere ; not a formalist, but 
godly ; not fearful, but firm. In short, the Bible* 
the Bible is the best of books for wives, ah, and 
for husbands too. Every thing added to religion 
that is not contained in the Bible, spoils it. A 
truly Bible Christian is a most amiable person* 
Such an one will be a good neighbor, a good com- 
panion, husband, wife, &c. Well, now my dear 
madam, I have pretty nearly filled the paper. 
Mrs. Botsford unites with me in best wishes to 
the good old lady, your mother, yourself, Mr. 
Theus, and children. God bless you alt. Now 
that is as good a prayer as lean make for you; 
and I ara sure it comes from ths heart of your 
jseivant in the GospeL 



MEMOIRS OF ELDSR BOTSFORD. 175 

f 

TO MR. THEUS. 

<c Dear Sir, — As it is uncertain when an oppor- 
tunity may present itself for sending a letter, and 
frequently it happens at a short notice, I often en- 
deavour to avail myself of a leisure hour to grati- 
fy my inclination for writing to a friend. This I 
call taking time by the forelock ; and by this 
means I can often oblige my friend with a few 
lines, when others are not prepared for the sud- 
den chance. Not that I think my writing of such 
importance ; but where I profess friendship, I 
love to manifest it. My religion teaches me both 
to say and do." [After touching^on several things^ 
and amongst others, a religious topic, he adds :] 
" Having introduced religion, I can't forbear 
transcribing a paragraph from an author I am ex- 
tremely fond of. I do not recollect in all my 
reading, that I ever found a paragraph more com- 
prehensive, more rational, more evangelical, or 
more to my mind c Some, I believe, are apt to 
imagine that they must renounce the world, when 
they devote themselves to Christ ; and abandon 
all the satisfactions of this life, when they once 
become zealous candidates for the felicity of ano- 
ther. But this is a very mistaken notion ; or else 
a very injurious representation of the doctrine 
which is according to godliness. It was never in- 
tended to drive men into deserts, but to lead 
them through the peaceful and pleasant paths of 
wisdom, into the blissful regions of life eternal. 
It was never designed to strike ofl % the wheels of 
business, or cut in sunder the sinews of industry; 
but rather to make men industrious from a prin- 
ciple of conscience, not from the instigations of 
avarice ; that so they may promote their immor- 
tal happiness, even while they provide for their 
temporal maintenance. It has no design to ex- 



I7ii MEMOIRS OF ELDER B0TSF0RD." 

tirpate our passions, but only to restrain their ir- 
regularities ; neither would it extinguish the de- 
lights of sense, but prevent them from evapora- 
ting into vanity, and subsiding into gall. A per- 
son may be cheerful among his friends, and yet 
joyful in God. He may Jaste the sweets of his 
earthly estate, and, at the same time, cherish his 
hopes of a nobler inheritance in heaven. The 
trader may prosecute the demands of commerce, 
without neglecting to. negociate the affairs of his 
salvation. The warrior may wear his sword, 
may draw, in a just cause, that murderous wea- 
pon, yet be a good soldier of Jesus Christ, and 
obtain the crown that fadeth not away. The pa- 
rent may lay up a competent portion for his chil- 
dren, and not forfeit his title to the treasures, 
either of grace or glory. So far is Christianity 
from obstructing any valuable interest, or with- 
holding any real pleasure, ihat it improves the 
one, and advances the other, 5 

"Now here is a religion, scriptural, rational, 
and suited to rational beings. Bad as the world 
is, I am fully convinced, were we to draw all our 
religion from the Bible only, whether men would 
receive it or not, there could not be such objections 
raised against it, as there are. True, the reli- 
gion of Christ admits of no wilful sin ; but sin is 
always connected with misery. It demands the 
whole heart ; but the greatest happiness human 
nature can aspire to, is a heart devoted to God, 
This affords the most rational and the most sub- 
lime joys ; joys suited to our nature. A heart 
devoted to God seeks its own good, the good of 
all, and the glory of God. It is prepared for 
every duty, for every trial, and for a continuance 
of improving existence, through the endless ages 
of eternity. Then can I wish myself, or my 
friend, a greater blessing. This 1 sincerely da 



ttfiAlOIRS OF ELDER BOTSFORD. ||?f 

iom the bottom of my heart, and hope I shall 
While I remain, yours to serve, 

EDMUND BOTSFORD." 

TO THE SAME. 

"Sept. 181 U 

" Dear Sir, — You will recollect I told you my 
friendship was a teasing kind of friendship. 1 have 
lately been making a tour, and I am going to trou- 
ble you with some account of it. You must know 
I am a great traveller. I sometimes get so far. 
from home, and find things so agreeable, that, be- 
lieve me, I feel reluctant at the thought of re- 
turning; and yet few people have less reason to 
avoid home than I have. I have a good old lady, 
who takes great care of me, and of my interest, 
and I love my children. But yet the things I 
meet with in my travels are so engaging, I some- 
times, for a small space, forget 1 have a home. 
$ am not one of your little sort of folks, who are 
content with a few dirty acres ; I claim a right 
in all I see, and as I can see to a very great dis* 
tance, I please myself, now and then, by visiting 
different parts of my estate. I find such journeys 
productive of health, and have a tendency to en- 
large my knowledge of men and things. I sup- 
pose you did not know I was a person of such con- 
sequence and riches. Why, my dear Sir, I have 
an undoubted title to what I assert. This may 
peern strange to you, as even Bonaparte could not 
give such a title. No, no ; 1 do not go to France 
for my title. I go to the 3d chapter of Paul's 
first Epistle to the Corinthians, and verses 21st 
and 22d. There's my title ! — You know I am a 
Bible man ; and let me tell you, I have never yet 
found that fail me in the most trying seasons, and 
I have trusted it now, almost forty-live years. 



IT'S MEMOIRS OP ELDER BOTSPOSO. 

u My late journey has been among the stars. 
* Among the stars ?' say you ? ' And prav what 
toews from those parts ?' This is what I am going 
to relate. When I travel, I usually take a cou- 
ple of friends with me, two knowing ones, who 
are not easily imposed on by appearances. The 
name of one is Revelation, and the name of the 
©ther, Reason. Now, by the help of these gen- 
tlemen, I acquire a fund of useful knowledge. 
I commenced my journey'w r ith a view r to make a 
stop at Jupiter. I soon reached that noble star, 
or planet if you please. My friend Revelation 
observed, be w r as not conversant with Jupiter in 
particular, and, for the present, had no observa- 
tion to make. I then asked my friend Reason, 
what could be the use of those moons to this part 
of my estate. He replied, 'to give light when 
it was night in that planet.' Light ? for what 
purpose ? • For what purpose does our moon give 
light on the earth we live on ?' To enable the in* 
habitants to see objects. Why, are there inhab- 
itants here ? c Why not here ? What is all this 
light for, but to cheer and enlighten them. Rocks 
and mountains want no light.' Pray, my friend, 
what kind of inhabitants dwell here ? * I do not 
know, but, I suppose, such as suit the place, and 
the place them, but such as want light.' My 
friend Revelation, what say you to this ? ' I say, 
God made toorlds, how many I know not ; but he 
fiDs immensity, so that he can be present to sup- 
port and regulate life here, and in ten thousand 
such worlds as these.' I hope they are a better 
people than live where we do. Well, but you 
cannot conceive what a surprising view I had from 
this part of my estate. Here I saw two prodi- 
gious masses, or globes, whirling about in all man- 
ner of directions, and with such rapid motion that 
made me giddy \ yet all was order and regularity.., 




&EMdIBS OF ELDER BOTSFOttl). 17& 

fliough they flew through ether like lightning 
for swiftness I asked my friend Reason, how 
these mighty globes could perform such mar.OMi* 
vies. He observed 3 they were impelled by an 
almighty hand Pray, said I, can any thing act 
where it is not ? fc No,' said he. Then said 1$ 
the almighty hand must guide them every inch 
they move, or they could not preserve thatcircu* 
Jar motion, which I perceive they have. My 
friend Revelation observed, ' He, that by a word* 
spoke these worlds into bein#, by a word, could as 
easily uphold them, and direct all their revolu* 
lions. ' 

U I had a good telescope with me, and now, by 
the help of that, I discovered worlds beyond 
worlds, and suns beyond suns. I was lost in won- 
der and amazement, and began to think it was a 
dream, or some unaccountable vision. But Rea- 
son put me to rights by observing, ' finite could 
not comprehend infinity.' And Revelation whis- 
pered, * these are only parts of his ways, but how 
little a portion is heard of him ' Job xxvi. 14. — 
When 1 returned from this little excursion, I be* 
gan to talk among friends of my possessions ; and 
of forces, by which this world and the other were 
propelled forward, and other forces, which pre- 
served them from running in straight lines forever. 
They believed me jast as much as though I had 
been persuading them to relinquish sin, and pur- 
sue virtue. Some thought 1 was deranged ; oth- 
ers, that I was a queer fellow, and wished to 
make fools of them. Here and there one and 
another Would be asking me questions ; and by 
bearing with their weaknesses, and laying down 
some of the first principles of Astronomy, 1 got a 
few to believe the possibility of such things, and 
now and then some to enter into the spirit of thr 



180 



MEMOIRS OF ELDER 20TSF0RD. 



subject ; and truly, they soon outstripped me in 
the knowledge of these things. 

"To lay aside fiction, I have been a preacher 
upwards of forty years, and I find it as difficult to 
persuade persons to forsake sin and seek holiness* 
as to persuade the vulgar the world turns on its 
axis and goes round the sun. To a person unac- 
quainted with the first principles of astronomy, 
those things appear impossible. They are unac- 
quainted with the reasoning used on these sub- 
jects ; they therefore think them contrary to 
sense and reason. Just no respecting spiritual 
and divine things ; they appear to some unrea- 
sonable, unnecessary, and, in many respects, con- 
trary to sense and reason. Paul thought so ; Bots= 
ford thought so ; every body thinks so respecting 
some parts of religion, till the mind is enlightened 
by the divine influences of the Spirit of God. l ut 
when once the mind discovers things as they real- 
ly are, those thin-s. which once appeared strange, 
Unreasonable, and unworthy of notice, now put on 
quiie another face, appear all important rational," 
desirable, lovely. Again, ieligion is by many 
misrepresented, and held forth m an unfavorable 
light, and indeed in a false light. Some make it 
consist in a mere outside parade, in forms and 
ceremonies ; this disgusts a thinking man. Orh- 
er* lay the greatest stress, where the Bible lays 
the least, and prefer this man's notion, and the 
other man's notion, to the plain word of God and 
so puzzle men's minds. Indeed, some object c 
tht Bible itself, and that on several accounts. xSot 
that they can prove it false, or that it is not well 
authenticated, to have been written as represent- 
ed. Mo*t of the objections are really frivolous* 
and would not satisfy those who make them in any 
oti r case ; aid they proceed from bad motives. 
As for the scriptures requiring us to believe what 



Memoirs of elbkr botsford. lfcl 

^e cannot comprehend, 'tis a bug bear to frighten 
persons from tMnkhig on the subject. It is very 
hard to comprehend what we wish not to believe. 
The first principles of religion are easy to be un- 
derstood, and when once we get into the path, the 
light will shia^, more and niore uwto the perfect 
day. There are many things delivered in scrip* 
ture which ^.re never designed to be fully com- 
prehended, ^but to strike the mind with awe, and 
to prove our obedience to the Supreme Being* 
The good man, as he improves in acquaintance 
Tvith spiritual and div.ne things, discovers more 
and more the reasonableness and excellency of 
the scriptures. He soon learns, that it is not the 
scriptures that cause men to bite and devour one 
another, that it is the abuse of them that leads 
men into error. The gospel is, in all cases, one 
continued lesson of the strictest morality, of jus- 
tice, of benevolence, and of universal charity* 
The greatest damage Christianity ever did sus- 
tain, or ever will sustain, is from its pretended 
friends. There always have been among profes- 
sors wicked men, cunning, crafty, covetous, ambi- 
tious, and some good, but very weak men. These 
liave, from time to time, almost turned Christi- 
anity upside down. Now, take the New Testa- 
ment in your hand, and tell me where you read of a 
pope, archbishops, diocesan bishops, deans, arch 
deacons, prebends, rectors, parsons, curates, &c. 
(&c. You cant find any of these. Well then, 
these are excrescences. Now peel off all from 
religion but what you find in the New Testament, 
and you will have a religion that is artless, plain ; 
that strikes at all evil, and promotes nothing but 
goodness ; that will make a man better in every 
sense of the word. We need not go to College 
to learn this religion. It may be learned in the 
parlour, in the kitchen, in the bam ; in the field, 
16 



182 MEMOIRS OP ELDER BOTSFORD* 

on the knees, or in an easy chair. Will il b$ 
wrong in me to say, this is the religion I have 
been these 40 years endeavouring to propagate to 
so little purpose ? My education has been very 
imperfect, and I never studied composition. Could 
I write as well as some of my younger brethren 
in the ministry, I should, ere Hire? have sent out 
many a small tract against all the fpbbish that I 
find attached to religion. Now this plain, artless, 
heart-felt religion, my dear friend, I think I have 
experienced, and do daily experience the happy 
effei ts of. This religion I am noi ashamed to re- 
<5<m mend, because 1 believe it to be truth ; be- 
cause it is a religion that will, when properly un- 
derstood, appear rational, will afford real comr 
fort through life, and support in death. Did you 
ever read such a sermon in your life ? I do not 
remember that I ever went so far for a text be- 
fore. We'll do better next time. 

11 Well, but as the high priest said, c are these 
things so.' They certainly are so. Then let us 
acquaint ourselves as fully as we can respecting 
them. It will be no hindrance to our enjoyment 
of the good things of this world, but will direct 
us in the sober use of them, and sweeten to us all 
the bitter in them. It will give a zest to life, 
produce some of the finest feelings the human 
heart can attain to ; will cheer our spirits, even 
•when the world frowns, and make us iich in grace 3 
even in the depths of pove/tj." 

TO MR. INGLESBYc 

4 - Georgetown, Jan. 26, 1812. 
14 If we lived more by faith, we should love 
ynore, hope more, work more, and depend less 
i)n ouiselves, and more on Christ. Faith is an 
operating principle ; it sets a!l agoing, and going 
light too. Faith leads us to the atonement, to 






MEMOIRS OP ELDER BOTSFORD. 183 

ihs throne of grace, to — within the vail, to God 
himself; a God in covenant, a God reconciled, a 
God in Christ, and that is heaven. No matter 
where I am ; when I can fully, can wholly cast 
myself on my God and Father, as the God and 
Father of my Redeemer, ray Saviour, my all in 
all ; there's my happiness, there's my heaven* 
What will heaven itself be, but the presence of 
God to my soul. Then let us be found in the us& 
of those means, in which God has appointed to 
meet us ; prayer, reading, hearing, examination^ 
conversation, meditation, &c. ; in them all, 
through them all, looking unto Jesus. See the 
business of faith. What is prayer, what are any 
«f the duties if not performed in faith." 

TO DR. ROBERTS. 

" Georgetown, April 24, 1812. 
cc You know it is often said, old people grow' 
covetous. I am one. I am so much so, that I 
wish to rob the devil of a few more of his sub- 
jects before 1 die. I was looking over the ac- 
counts of baptisms performed by me, and I find 
they amount to 339. Now some of my brethren 
have baptized as many in one year ; but that, 
you know, is no reason I should complain : I will* 
therefore, be thankful for what the Lord has ena- 
bled me to do, and pray that I may yet have to go 
into the water again ; aye, and again. 1 tell you 
1 am covetous. n 

TO MR. JOHNSON. 

" Georgetown, March 30, 1812. 
a Rev. Mr. Johnson, — Do you recollect that 
there was a person, who formerly lived at the 
Cheraws, and latterly in Georgetown, by the 
name of Botsford ■? Say you, ' what does my fa- 
ther mean ?' (), you have not forgotten that re- 
lation : well, if you have not, and will return to 



184 MEMOIRS OF ELDER 20T5F0RD-, 

your duty, I will again call you, dear Son. BaJ 
wlnt, in the name of wonder, has prevented you* 
all this time, from writing to rae ? In your \dai 
letter, you promised to write again in a short 
time; but not a scrap as yet from Savannah. 
When you do write, t beg, however, you will not 
take up half a sheet in apologizing ; but tell me 
off-hand how you do— -your own situation, and the 
state of the church you now have the care of. 

tk In the mean time, I am going to art the father 
again ; I mean giving advice. And first, if you 
have not read Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress, w r ith 
Scott's Notes, I beg you will inquire for it, and 
purchase it, aad read it very carefully over and 
over. Say you, J pray, why does- my father so 
particularly recommend that book ?' I will tell 
you, my son ; because I think that work, I m^ari 
with Scott's Notes, one of the best books for a 
minister, and also for a common christian, of any 
ever published, except the BihLe. You may be 
sure I dont recommend it for its language, but for 
the real, genuine religion it contains. If you ex» # 
perience and then preach such precious truths as 
are contained in it, you may use what style you 
please, you may go on stilts, if you please, or you 
may, w r ith Whitfield, use plain, market language I 
so you reach the heart, and touch ali the springs 
of the soul ; so you detect the false professor, 
humble the soaring one,, and encourage the fee- 
ble, awake him when asleep, rouse him when in- 
dolent, assist him in difficulties, direct him when 
wrong, and, in short, guard him on every side, till 
you see him safe over the river. 

u You have now a heavy charge on you, if you 
mean to be really useful, successful, and also com- 
fortable and faithful in ail your work ; of which I 
have no doubt. You must, my Son, look about 
you, look into yourself, look at tbe world, aasj 



MEMOIRS OF ELDER BOTSFORD. IS5 

steadily be looking to Jesus* My son, seek tho 
honor of God, and God will honor you. Be diligent, 
be watchful,, be prayerful, be fully a Bible chris- 
tian; then may you be a Bible minister. [low in any 
great men^ in the end of their journey, had wished 
they had studied the Bible more. Do you then, my 
dear Son, study the three following things ; the 
Bible, your heart, and your people. Give your- 
self up wholly to the work ; let all your reading, 
all your meditation, all your conversation, turn 
on a thorough acquaintance with yourself, with 
divine things, for your growth in grace, your pro* 
grass in the knowledge of Jesus Christ, and his 
concerns. Daily pray for prudence, for a sound 
judgment, for due fortitude, for genuine humility, 
for fresh supplies of grace, and spiritual light into 
the great things of God. Do not suffer yourself 
to lose an hour of your precious time. If your 
dull, wicked, deceitful heart, at any time, rises up 
against any of these things, chide it, quarrel with 
it, give it no peace till you subdue it, and bend it 
16 its duty. Consider you are not your own, you 
are bought with a price, therefore glorify God in 
your body and soul which arc his. # Put on your 
spiritual armor every morning, wear it all day 
long in all companies ; be not ashamed of any 
part of it. Learn well to use the shield of faith, 
:tnd to wield the sword of the Spirit. Don't let 
your garments hang loose about you ; gird them 
up with the girdle of truth, and always carry in 
your bosom tliat excellent weapon all-prayer* 
Don't go barefoot, but put on Gospel shoes ; you 
will want them, sometimes to flee from the devil, 
as well as to run in the commandments of the 
Lord. There, my Son, you see I am still your 
father. In much love to your whole self, I remain 
yours, while Ijum u> t d BoTSFORfy n , 

16* 



186 MEMOIRS OF ELDER BOTSFOR»> 



TO MR. COOK. 



" Georgetown, tfpril 15, ISIS, 
< : Indeed, it is no matter where I am, unless ! 
could talk. It appears to Die I shall never more 
preach, except occasionally The whole right 
side of .my head is affected ; and although the eye 
is guarded from prickling, when the paroxysm af- 
fects the head, the eye ^nd face is affected with 
a burning smart very painful. The roof of the 
mouth, when pressed by the tongue, produces a 
most violent sensation in the head like the strain- 
ing and snapping of veins or nerves. So is you? 
friend afflicted." 



TO MR. INGLESBY* 

" Georgetown, May 1, 1813. 



" I am pleased to hear you complain for the 
want of your rib. I know you lose at least half 
the pleasure of any thing that turns up*, because 
she is not with you to share the pleasure ; and 
when trouble meets you, it is double because she 
is not with you to bear part of the load. Howe- 
ver, you have the consolation that I had when I 
could not talk, viz* you can write. But say you* 
L how could you be so cruel as to say, you are 
pleased to hear me complain ?' Why, truly, the 
reason is, that it manifests a regard that none 
know, but sach as have the same feeling : I know 
all about it. This language says, I love home. 
There is no happiness in the world equal to do- 
mestic happiness. Yea, it promotes, as a mean, 
happiness of a superior nature. Well, my bro- 
ther, if the company of your relations and friends 
is so desirable and pleasant here in our imperfect 
state, what must it be, when all lmper^ctiwa 
&ba! be done away. 53 



MEMOIRS OF ELDER BOTSFOIUK 187 

\ s 

TO MR. JOHJSSON. 

cc Georgetown, Jlpril 16, (a cold day) 1814. 
u Dear Son Johnson, — c What dost thou here-, 
Elijah ?' said God to the Prophet. I say, what 
dost thou in Columbia, William Johnson? Art 
thou on thy way to Philadelphia ? May thy God 
go with thee, then thy journey will be prosperous* 
You will recollect, my son, that this journey may 
be of singular advantage to you, if you wisely im- 
prove it. You will see, aad have an opportunity 
of forming an acquaintance with, several valuable 
men, servants of our Lord. tou will also ob- 
serve .a great difference in the planners and cus- 
toms of the people. You will recollect the peo- 
ple, among whom you are going, are a free, plain 
people. No doubt you may meet with some ec- 
centric characters ;: yet even from these, you 
may obtain useful knowledge. Old men are oft- 
en fond of giving advice ; you know this is one of 
my foibles ; you will, therefore, bear with me on 
the present occasion. Now mind what 1 say. Be 
careful to carry with you a praying heart, that 
God may direct you in all your ways, and meet 
with you when you meet the brethren. Be not 
too forward, at any time, to give your opinion ' r 
neither be backward where it appears duty. Re- 
member you are y«t a young man ; you will 9 
therefore, duly attend to the observations and rea- 
soning of those, who have the advantage of years 
and experience. They may deliver their senti- 
ments in a very plain way-, yet they may be real- 
ty weighty, and more to the purpose, than at first 
may appear. You will, also, remember the cause 
of Christ requires doing as well as saying. Now 
you must try to discover the secret how to get 
the doing part accomplished. Various plans may- 
be proposed; but sGuie one will be the best, an4 



183 MEMOIRS OP ELDER BOTSFORD, 

the best judge is the Lord : this shows the pro- 
priety of constant recourse to Him by prayer, to 
be directed in the right way* See to it, my 
son, for yourself. Once more : remember, the 
Carolinians are remarked, and I think very justly, 
as a very generous people ; and it is possible, if 
you are not on your guard, you may be prejudiced 
against some, who, to you, may seem not so gene- 
rous, who yet, owing to a different education, 
may not be esteemed niggardly or covetous. — » 
Mind this. People, who labor hard, set more 
value on money than those who have others to la- 
bor for them. That, which you, and many in our 
State would esteem a trifle, is, by many, esteem- 
ed a considerable matter. A Carolinian, with 
all his generosity, is a proud man If he cannot 
do something, as he thinks, clever, he will do 
nothing ; I now have reference to pecuniary mat- 
ters. You'll take the hint. I'll now leave you 
a better hands. You'll see Dr. Staugliion, Dr. 
Rogers, and Dr. Holcombe ; Mr. Benedict, Mr. 
Rice, Dr. Baldwin and Dr. Gano, — my kind re- 
gards to each of them. One word more ; be sure 
consult Dr. Furman on every occasion. 

u There now ;. if you remember these, enough 
is said ; if you do not, more would be needless. 
I shall expect a line from you, when you can 
make it convenient. I remain, my dear Son, 
yours affectionatelv, 

EDMUND BOTSFORD." 

TO MR. COOS, 

"Georgetown. Jane 5, 1814. 
" Every one belonging to our fleet, must ex- 
pect trials ; our voyage is attended with many 
difficulties. So, my dear brother, you must have 
your share. But pray, is there one sails with 
Lucifer, who b exempt from trials ? fto, truly; 



Memoirs op elder botsford. 189 

And then think what wages the wretch gives, bolb 
now and at the end of the voyage. Now, bloody 
Doses, broken bones, ruined character, and a &u»'.ty 
conscience ; and at the end eternal ruin At the 
Very worst, our Prince's w T ages are of another 
hind. He, you know, even btesses ou afflictions 
to us, so that as David, you and I can say. they 
are j;ood for us Besides, he never requires any 
thing of us that leaves a sting behind. What is 
there my brother, in this world worth living for ; 
but the presence of the Lord ? all else, sooner or 
later, is vanity. — But the presence of God never 
cloys, is ever new, ever sweet, and sweetens all 
our blessings, aye, and our severest afflictions* 
Believe me, I had rather have the presence of 
God, and my eye complaint, than all the good 
things in the world without it. Travellers and 
voyagers must take things as they turn up. Th© 
main point is to keep in the narrow path, in the 
right course ; then all will terminate well. What 
is the road when travelled ? What is the ocea& 
Mrhen crossed ?" 

TO THE SAME. 

li Georgetown, May 11, 1815. 
u Dr. Coke, who succeeded Mr. Wesley, died 
on his way to the East Indies, in December last. 
So w r e drop off one after another ; it cant be long 
before it will be said, i Botsford is gone the way 
©f all flesh.' I have lived to what is generally 
termed a good old age, but alas ! to what purpose. 
How many have done more work in a week, than 
1 have in 70 years. Work my dear brother, woilc 
while it is day ; for the night will soon approach. 
Study Zion's welfare iu the line in which Provi- 
dence has placed you. 4 Does father Botsford 
think I am indolent ?' No, my dear brother, ho 
does not think so ; but he wishes you to eye the 



190 MEMOIRS OP ELDER B0TSF0RD. 

providence of God, and watch for opportunities 
of usefulness 

* * # * 

4i General Washington seemed to have been 
raised up for a blessing to America, and Bonaparte 
for a curse to the whole world What a volatile, 
monkey-like people the French are ! They boast 
of themselves as being the great nation — of raon- 
kies and tigers ! No doubt Europe will be con- 
vulsed again, and we shall have our share of trou- 
ble and perplexity. How many things turn up te 
9vean the ageu from this world." 

10 THE SAME. 

u Georgetown, June 22< 1815. 
11 Are you not a chicken-hearted fellow, to be 
afraid of D,D % s. Pray, who are all these great 
folks you talk of? Are they not a company of 
poor sinners, who stand in need of salvation ? 
Ycu will not go to Columbia to teach Mathema- 
tics, or any of the abstruse sciences, but to preach 
Jesus, both in, and out of the pulpit ; and no mat- 
ter who are your hearers. You conduct yourself 
as a christian, minister, and even those ■ big gen- 
tlenre43 , will respect you. So you feel cramped 
when you write to Dr. F. So do I ; but I write 
to him. I again say, you have a talent for better 
writing. There—a letter from friend Roberts by 
mail ; I must open and read it, before I proceed 

any further. 

>* Friend Roberts' letter encloses money, fa 
very acceptable article) for the voyage. He asks 
ray advice respecting some kind of periodical 
work. I think if it could be well supported, it 
might be of service to the cause of God ; but I 
am apprehensive it would be attended with more 
difficulty than you may be aware of. In the first 
g!ac2> who will ycu depend on for a supply of 



ftlfcMOIRS OF ELDER BOTSFOSD. 1 Si 

Biatter ? 2JIy. Where printed, and who correct 
the proof sheets ? Sdly flow many subscribers 
will you obtain ? The Baptists are the last, peo- 
ple in the State to be encouraged by other deno- 
minations ; and after all, but too few read in the 
country. These are articles to be well weighed.' 5 

TO i\IR. INGLftSBY. 

" Georgetown, March 19, 1817, 
€C If it were not for the eye complaint, I could 
preach, at least once, on Lord's days ; but that 
seems to increase* The paroxysms are seldom 
more than three in the iwenty-four hours* but 
these generally continue an hour, and sometimes 
an hour and a-half ; though the violent pain sel- 
dom exceeds a quarter of an hour. But through 
the whole day, and the waking hours of the night, 
a prickling, every two or three minutes, attacks 
ine, and frequently so as to prevent my eating or 

even drinking. 

u I have the use of my reason, and can read 
and write several hours in the 24 ; so that 1 have 
V> sing of mercies as well as of judgments. And in 
addition, I am conscious of a spirit of prayer more 
than formerly. 

u If at the end of my journey, I am admitted 
into the rest of the people of God, how sweet 
will that rest be ; and then the company of those 
holy beings, the angels and the spirits of just men 
made perfect, and above all, the presence of Je- 
sus Christ, the Lord of life and glory. The em- 
ployment also, praising, adoring and glorifying the 
eternal God, and that too uithout sin, or weari- 
ness — no hard heart, no tempting devil, no pain, 
nor sorrow, but a heart full of gratitude to that 
adorable Saviour, who took my sins on his own 
body, and who plucked my feet out of the miry 
tlay ; and to that blessed Spirit, who showed m& 



592 MEMOIRS OF ELDER BGTSFOkfc. 

things of Jesus, and who led me and upheld me ali 
through this howling wilderness ; and to that Fa- 
ther of mercies, who gave me to his Son ; to that 
three one God, who is God over all and blessed 
forever more. brother, these are themes wor* 
thy the contemplation of all rational and holy be* 
ings " 

TO MRS. THEUS. 

" Georgetown, March 23, 1817. 

* ( Dear Mrs, Theus, — There are few families, 
tvith whom I have had no more acquaintance, that 
lie so much on my mind, as Mr. and Mrs. Theus. 
How to account for it I know not. This I know, 
that my writing to them does not proceed from a 
desire to flatter them. If I am not deceived in 
niy ow T n character, flattery is but a small part of 
its composition. Rather a bluntness, bordering 
on rudeness, constitutes but too great a portion. I 
have often wished I could correct this unamiable 
turn, but it is so interwoven in my constitution 
that I am not able to eradicate it. Of this I am 
conscious, that f wish to be somehow serviceable 
to them, especially in respect to their future hap* 
piness. Perhaps in this I am considerably sel- 
fish. Yes, I consider any assistance of this kind 
will be a matter of joy to me through the endless 
ages of eternity. Even if ray well-meant inten- 
tions prove abortive, they will be accepted of 
Him, who knows the heart, and who rewards the 
giver of a cup of cold water to a thirsty disciple. 

u You, dear Madam, have made an open avow- 
al of your determination to follow the Lord. If 
you were sincere in this, of which 1 have not the 
least reason to doubt, nor do 1 doubt it, then I 
know your life will be attended, at time^, with 
joy and peace in believing, such as all the sinful 
pleasures of the world »ever did, cor never can 



MEMOIRS OF ELDER BOTSFORD. 193 

afford. But then, as the work of grace is to fit 
and prepare you for glory, you must go through 
all that process of trial, that is necessary to prove 
your love to him who died for sinners, and indeed 
for other purposes which you will" belter know 
hereafter. If, with the assistance of your Bible, 
earnest prayer, self-examination, &c. you learn 
to know yourself, you will discover so much im- 
perfection, so little of a godly temper, that you 
will not think it strange that you, as well as your 
fellow-christians, should stand in need of the rod 
to correct, as well as the staff to support* Many 
and various are the ways our heavenly Father is 
pleased to take, to teach his children to depend on 
him, to grow in grace, to be humble and obedient, 
to be watchful over their own hearts, asrainst the 
devices of Satan, and, above ail, to honor him in 
all things. There is one thing, above many, will 
enable vou to bear the different trials in a proper 
manner, and that is, to consider your mercies ; 
how highly you are favored above thousands, how 
many mercies you are daily surrounded with. 
And again, what plain, gracious directions, and ex- 
ceeding great and precious promises you have to 
plead ; and the many noble and excellent charac- 
ters you have for your example and encourage- 
ment in that best of books, the Bible. Yes, the 
Bible, the Bible is the poor christian's grand trea- 
sure. i Not all the books on earth beside, such 
heavenly wonders teLJ.' Although there are many- 
things in it which ycu will know hereafter, and 
which you cannot know now, yet there is no state 
you can pos>ibly be in, but you will find a remedy 
in it, plainly and easily to be understood, to afford 
light and comfort, when you stand in most need of 
them. ,i»fiOng many other trials, you ma) be ex- 
ercised with, one is of a very serious and affectum 
nature ; I mean, that your dear Mr. Tb^us does 
17 



I 



l$4 MEMOIRS OP ELDER BOTSFORB, 

not as yet walk hand in hand with you on the roac! 
to the heavenly country. This, 1 doubt not, 
causes you many a tear, raany a heart-ache. But 
what a mercy it is, that he like many, does not 
thwart you, and hinder you from attending on the 
worship of God. For this you can never be suffi- 
ciently thankful. O Madam, let it be your daily 
prayer to God to give him grace, that he may par«^ 
take with you the blessings which real religion 
affords. Nit only pray for him, but show by your 
whole conduct, that his eternal welfare lies near 
your heart. 1 his is your duty, and it is also your 
privilege. I have wondered that I should feel so 
interested for him. God knows I speak the truth 
when 1 say, on my bed I have often, in the night 
watches, earnestlj put up, I trust, sincere and 
hearty prayers for his conversion ; and 1 will add, 
God forbid I should cease praying for hiui and 
your family," 



CHAPTER XII, 

Extracts from his Letters continued. 

Though Mr. Botsford was often prevented by 
his affliction from labouring in the pulpit ; yet he 
improved e?ery opportunity, which his situation 
afforded him, for promoting the spiritual welfare 
of the people of his charge* One means, which 
he improved for this purpose, was that of address- 
ing friendly epistles to some of the members of 
his church, and other acquaintances, in the town 
where he resided, containing such advice and in- 
struction, as he deemed suited to their respective 
circumstances. He was always gratified to re- 
ceive answers to his epistles ; but though this 
pleasing w&s sometimes denied hira, he was not. 



MEMOIRS OP ELDER fcOTSFOKD, 195 

Cn that account, deterred from repeating, in this 
form, his fathely counsel A tew of these pas- 
toral letters, which were addressed to Mr. Mar- 
vin and Mr. Cuttin6, then at their summer resi- 
dences at the North Inlet, some miles below 
Georgetown, are here inserted. 

TO MR. MARVIN AND MR. CUTTINOo 

u Georgetown. Jlug. 25, 1817, 

cc Dear Brethren, — Being favoured with a lit* 

t?e more ease than common, with respect to the 

eye complaint, I have s*t down to write a f-^w 

lhies to my dear orethren ; aye, and sisters 

too. 

11 1 wish my dear brethren to grow in grace, 
and in the knowledge of Jesus. All other knowl- 
edge is trifling compared with this. Now in or* 
tter to obtain the knowledge of Jesus Christ, it 
will be necessary to observe the following things : 
Converse often with him by prayer, by reading 
liis word, by attention to his servants who are 
sent to give you information respecting him ; es- 
pecially observe to pay a strict regard to all his 
requirements. We are to do his trill. Obedi- 
ence will unlock hidden treasures ; especially 
when you obey with cheerfulness, and from the 
heart. Aye, a word about the heart. Your hearts 
are not to be trusted, they are so deceitful, so 
wicked. Therefore, keep a steady eye upon 
them, or they will deceive you. Keep them with 
aU diligence. Keep them : how ? Keep them 
from sin, from neglect of duty ; keep them awake 
in every duty ; stir them up to commune with 
Jesus ; search them thoroughly, or rather beg 
God to do it for you. Guard against their pride, 
their covetousness ; lay them open, expose all 
their pride, all their deceit, to God. Do not 
spare them, do not sutler them to retain one little 



196 MEMOIRS OF ELDER BOTSFORD, 

sin in any corner. Do, my dear friends, realize 
eternity ; think \?hat your station and p.-rtioo 
will be there. I hope to meet you th^re where 
jDeiiher pain, nor sin, nor sorrow, will hare admit- 
tance. Now mind, the devil, the world, the 
lasts of the flesh, will, if not subdued, prevent 
our meeting there. Then let us put on the whole 
armour of God, not to strut about and show our 
line accoutrements, but to fight hand to hand, till 
we overcome. Look to your Captain, call Jor 
his assistance, follow him closely, and he will as- 
sist you and make you more than conquerors 

"You have set your hand to the plough; 
hold it steadily ; look not behind you, press for- 
ward; now is the time to get strength to • 
stand your enemies, and enemies yen will meet 
"rv i t h in all your journey ; but be not discouraged ; 
ttothiog but sin can Serf JfoBfi Taea lock fetfy t* 
your Advocate. May God bless you with cour- 
age, wisdom, grace, prudence, patience, faith, 
hope, charity, and every grace. 55 

TO THE BAME. 

^Georgetown, Sept. I ^ 1617. 
;i Learn daily some lesson from your employ- 
ments, from every thing around you Your prin- 
cipal employment, at present, is fishing. This 
affords a fund of instruction for yourselves, and 
to assist you to fish for men. Your boat must be 
in proper order, to accommodate yourselves and 
a companion or two. Your lines, hook, and bait, 
suitable for the fish you wish to take ; also some 
e:;pertness is necessary to know the time, the 
place, when and where to fish. You know very 
necessary qualifications for a fisherman are pa- 
e and perseverance. Now apply these ob- 
servations, and try to catch your friend, your child, 
your servant, your neighbor, your enemy." 



MEMOIRS OF ELDER BOTSFORD* 19" 



TO THE SAME. 



" Georgetown > Sept. 4, 181?. 

€C Dear Brethren, — My dear old friend Mr. 
Pelot used to say, c My love is a teasing love.' 
So I may say, my correspondence is of a teasing 
nature. However, it has procured me many a 
good letter in return, but not as yet from you, my 
brethren. But I do not despair but that, after a 
few more letters, if I should be able to continue 
writing, I shall procure one from you. True, 
you have nothing to do, and when people have 
nothing to do, they seldom find time to write* 
What did I say ? ' Nothing to do ?' Yes, if you 
have hitfterto done nothing but fit up your houses, 
and clean sand from your doors. Remember, 
when returned from fishing, there is the Associa- 
tion Letter to write, a collection to make, ar- 
rangements to attend the Association. Now show 
yourselves true pilgrims. i I have bought a 
lot of land, I have the care of two or three fami- 
lies, I have my accounts to settle.' Heigh day ! ! 
—What is all this ? So then you are about to 
make nothing of religious duty. If you can spare 
time — if — if — if — none of your if's nor and's ; set 
about the work heartily, sincerely ; determined 
to baffle the devil, the world, flesh and blood- 
You serve a good Master ; at least, he is a good 
Master you ought to serve. It is upwards of fifty 
years since I entered the service. I wish you, 
my brethren, so to conduct yourselves, as not to 
have such reflections as I am, at this time of day, 
assaulted with ; I wish you so to live, as to please 
God, your brethren, and keep a good, sound, 
clear conscience. 

u Our Lord must not be put off ; if you would 
enjoy his favour, you must observe his directions 
If you wish to be happv, vou MWt seek for bap- 
it* 



193 MEMOIRS OP ELDER BOTSFORD* 

piness in the paths of obedience. ' If ye love me, 
keep my commandments.' If you prefer any thing 
to Christ, to any of his precepts, you must expect 
leanness of soul. Let the world, the devil, your 
brethren, and your Lord, see that you are what 
you profess to be, real christians, working chris- 
lians, obedient christians ; and then you will en- 
joy his presence, which is better than gold and sil- 
ver, yea, better than natural life. Often recol- 
lect the price paid for you ; anticipate the feel- 
ings of a d^ing hour. I do not repent of any one 
act of self-denial, but I do repent of my neglect, 
my lukewarmness, my indolence. Now at the 
end of my journey, I see, aye, and feel too, my 
want of zeal in the cause, and see, in many res- 
pects, my short-coming in the performance of 
most duties. Although I am no Arminian, I am 
fully persuaded of the necessity of diligence, in 
order for comfort. How can we expect a bles- 
sing but in the way of duty ? It is not only the 
u r ay of safety, but the way of peace and comfort. 
Do you not w r ish to become acquainted with your 
brethren of the same faith and order ? Do you 
not wish to give countenance to every useful in- 
stitution, and encourage the hearts and strengthen 
the hands of your Master's servants ? Do you 
iRot wish to learn more and more of yourselves, 
cf Christ, of heaven, of the religious world ? 
Believe me, you will never repent for the time, 
the talents, the money spent in the service of your 
Lord. Whose is the gold and silver ? Whose 
time is that in which you live ? Would you live 
to the glory of God, to the benefit of the church, 
for the comfort of your minister, for your own 
comfort ; then make religion in all its ramifica- 
tions, your chief study — I say your chief study. 
>■ ■■ ■ ■ With every sentiment of esteem, affection, 
?nd gratitude for innumerable favors conferred 00 



MEMOIRS OF ELDER BOTSFORD, 199 

me, I remain, my dear brethren, yours in the 
Gospel. " 

TO THE SAME. 

cl Dear Brethren, — You are seldom out of my 
mind, as I feel you are near and dear to me. 1 
therefore wish to be somehow serviceable to you. 
As I cannot preach to you, and when you return 
to town, have but little time to converse with 
you, I can think of no way but writing, by which 
I may edify you ; and this is sometimes very 
painful. 

" Notwithstanding the Scriptures afford such a 
variety of subjects, there are times, when even 
they are as a blank to me. I wish you to be ma* 
king daily advances in the divine life, as that will 
afford real comfort, and prepare you to meet all 
the various changes you are subject to. What I 
mean by the divine life, is a life of conformity to 
the divine will. Now this cannot be obtained* 
but by a very watchful care over all our words, 
actions, and thoughts. Such is the entire deprav- 
ity of our natures, that the w r orld, the flesh, and 
the devil, may very easily deceive us, and lead 
us into sin ; and sin destroys our comforts, blinds 
our minds, hardens our hearts, grieves the Holy 
Spirit, and causes him to depart from us : when 
that is the case, we necessarily walk in darkness • 
we then, in a greater or less degree, dishonor 
God, and make work for repentance. In order 
to enjoy the comforts which religion affords, we 
must live near to God, not only in the practice of 
the duties it enjoins, but in every duty enter into 
the spirit of it. What, for instance, does it avail 
to hear preaching, if we do not make a self-ap- 
plication of it ? What the benefit of prayer, if 
the heart is not engaged ? Of religious conversa- 
tion, if we only set ourselves, off; to have our es 



200 MEMOIRS OP ELDER BOTSFORD* 

perienee applauded? Humility, true humility, 
is an excellent grace. It is the humble christian 
that is rich. then, pray for an humble heart, 
an honest, contrite heart. Dont let complaining 
suffice, unless it be to Him who is able to grant 
your request. Believe, and you shall receive. 
Yes, pray in faith, and God will bestow that, and 
every other grace. Habituate yourselves to be 
lifting up your hearts to God all the day long, 
Paul says, c praying always.' That same c All- 
prayer' the devil hates. 0., it is an excellent 
weapon. Learn to wield that well, and you may 
get along through the most dangerous parts of 
your pilgrimage, aye, and with comfort too But 
remember, your duties are not Christ, but they 
are designed to lead you to him. Christ must be 
your all and all ; your life, your health, your 
strength. Lo^t through all your duties to him. 
If they do not lead you to him, you may be sure 
it is because they ar§ not performed in faith. 
You receive not, because you ask amiss. Then 
be sure you pray for faith, living, active, special 
faith. Do not measure yourselves by any body ; 
let Christ be the standard. Not only visit the 
garden and the cross, but observe his whole con- 
duct. And when you have done all, fall in hum- 
ble prostration at his feet, as unprofitable servants, 
Rise again, and proceed on your journey. Do 
every thing in your power to stimulate each other 
to every act of kindness and love. With every 
sentiment of esteem and affection, I remain your 
afflicted brother and pastor." 

TO MR. MARVIN. 

" My dear Brother, — You have confessed, that 
our gracious Got! has been pleased to make use 
of -me as an instrument in bringing you to the 
knowledge of the truth; therefore I consider you 



Memoirs op eider eotsford. 201 

36 one of my sons in the gospel. As such, I wish 
to act the part of a father to you. I would, there*, 
fore, stir up your mind to make a good use of the 
gifts which God has bestowed on yo«i. No one 
must be idle in the vineyard ; al! have something 
to do, and all might do more than they do, if they 
Woald pluck up courage. It is easy to say, 1 am a 
poor creature, and stand in need of instruction 
myself, and am not fit to instruct others. You 
mean, you are not willing ; for I am sure you 
can't, with truth, say you have not the ability* 
Our Carolinians are a proud sort of people ; ma- 
ny times, because they can't do something hand- 
some, they will do nothing, I mean with respect 
to alms. So christians, many of them, because 
ifaey cant instruct as ivell as some ministers, they 
will do nothing. Have you forgotten the cup of 
cold water ? I hope not Then let me put you 
in remembrance that the Master. you serve does 
not expect you to do what he has not qualified 
you for ; but he does expect that you should im- 
prove what he has given you. Take every op- 
portunity of dropping a word for him, to a negro, 
a child, to any one who is a stranger to religion. 
Come, come, no excuse will do ; the souls of men 
are perishing. You have a child, an orphan also, 
you have servants, you have neighbours, so that 
you want not objects. No, no, it is zeal that is 
wanting. Meditate seriously on sin, on hell, on a 
change, a heaven, the remedy, Christ and the 
Gospel ; all these will one day appear to you in 
their native colors, and to many when too late. 
Now is the accepted time. Now God is blessing 
the means of grace ; yes, by the very lowest of 
his servants. Come, put in for a share of the 
blessings. Why, I would not miss the happiness 
resulting from being an instrument in the btfnds of 
Gqd of the conversion of q, sinner, for a thousami 



202 Memoirs of elder botsforo« 

Worlds. O my brother, if you are what I hope 
you are, and I what I profess to be, millions of 
ages to come shall we bless God for seeing each 
other. What a humbling thought, that the eter- 
nal God should make use of such an unworthy in- 
strument to convey the glad tidings of salvation to 
any one of the human race ! O my God, not un- 
to me, but to thy adorable name be all the praise ! 
O my brother, do pray, do talk, do continue to 
set a good example to all around you. Who knows 
What a word may do. If God should bless it, you 
will have to praise and magnify his name for ever 
and ever. When I read of the labors of our 
Missionary brethren in the East, my soul is, as it 
\vere, on fire with love to them and to God for 
blessing them to the conversion of the poor idol- 
aters. And have we not idolaters all around us ? 
Yea, verily. Do, for the sake cf immortal souls, 
for your own sake, and above all, for the honor of 
God, stir up the gift which God has endowed you 
with. O live in love among one another, study 
to promote the glory of God, and each others com- 
fort. I make free with you. Well, if a father 
can't make free with his children, who can ? Al- 
though i write this to you, I mean it for you all.' 31 

tO THE SAME. 

" Georgetown, Oct. 1, 1817. 
" My dear Sort Marvin,™You complain of 
the multiplicity of business, as taking up much of 
your time. True, but you will remember that 
is not an excuse which Will stand the trial for the 
neglect of one duty. Follow the example of 
Col. Gardner. He rose at such an hour in the 
morning, as always to have an hour to spend by 
himself, before he entered on the business of the 
day. If, at any time, his regiment was to march 
by five o'clock, he was up at four. Thus prepay 






MEMOIRS <5F ELDER SOTSFORIX. 205 

ed, could attend with composure to his concerns. 
So you in order to perform your various concerns 
With justness, uprightness, and punctuality, must 
prepare yourself ; and mind, if possible, do noth- 
ing in a hurry ; and always, when it can be done, 
finish one thing before y*ou engage in another. 
When in the pursuit of your business, with honest, 
just intentions, you are in the way of duty. If 
you could devote half an hour, or ev *n a quarter, 
at mid day, to prayer, and meditating on the busi- 
ness of the afternoon, how to perform it to the 
best advantage, you would find the benefit arising 
from it very great I would advise morning duty, 
but I wish it to be short. You may be wanted, 
your servants may be weary of long performan- 
ces. The evening is the time for indulgence of 
that kind ; but even then, to confine the whole 
family to a long performance, generally is not 
productive of good. I observe we generally act 
wrong in this case We sit talking ever so long, 
then at last, go to prayers ; this is not right. Sup, 
then call the family together. Afterwards con- 
verse as long as you please with your friend, or 
any part of the family who choose to stay It is 
often the case, that those, who, when compelled 
to be present are soon weary, when left to their 
freedom would often stay and listen to the conver- 
sation with advantage. Compulsion in religious 
affairs is seldom attended with much good. 

" Although il is impossible for those, who have 
much business on hand, to observe constantly a 
uniform method, yet it will be advantageous to 
be aiming at it, and at least to attend to the great 
outlines'. There is a time coming when many of 
those things, which now appear important, will 
appear in a very different point of view, and wc 
&hall be surprised at ourselves for the views wo 
had of l^cax If you consult the Bible ; and calm-* 



204 MEMOIRS OP ELDER B9TSP0RD. 

Jy attend to the voice of conscience, you will per*- 
ceive. he is the happy man who constantly Keeps 
eternity in view, and acts with a view to make all 
things somehow subservient to the grand end of 
man's creation, viz. to glorify God, and to enjoy 
his presence in a world of bliss. This will It dd 
us, not only to perfoim those things which the 
law and gospel demand, but to perform them with 
cheerfulness, and to bear the will of God with 
due submission So much for the present. Moke 
a wise improvement of it, and you will receive 
the benefit, and 1 shall rejoice. Pray for me, 
that I may not only say, but do the will of the 
Lord ; then shall we ivjoice together. Love to 
ail. I remain your afflicted brother, E B. — for 
you all. " 

TO THE SAME. 

" Thursday, July 9th. You must think my 
eye complaint has been bad, when I inform you 
this is the first time I have written since the date 
above (June 30.) Several nights I thought -would 
have been my last, yet I am spared. 1 live in 
daily expectation of my dissolution, I ask your 
prayers, I pray for you and yours, but I expect 
this will be the last letter 1 shall be able to write 
to you ; it must be, except a very great change 
takes place. I can only say, live near to God, 
guard against sin*, look to Jesus, put your all into 
his hands ; then all will be well Farewell my 
dear friend, till we meet in eternity. Love to all, 
I remain your affectionate father in the gospel, 
E. B. 

kt P. S. Wednesday., July 15. I have let this 
lie by. with hopes of a change in the eye complaint, 
that I might write more, but it is rather worse. I 
just say, Edmunir) is gone up the country ; Mrs. 
Botsford confined., but some better* So crice 



MEMOIRS OP ELDEH EO^SI s ORD. 



sift 



Tfrtore, farp.wfell. While I hare my senses, I moan 
to pray for you and yours. May the Lord be 
your portion. Amen. 55 

TO THE SAME. 

Georgetown, Aug. 21, ISIS. 
u My dear Son in (he Gospel. — While I am. 
capable of lifting my heart hi prayer to God, may 
I not forget my. friends at a throne cf gracte, or 
to offer a petition for those who are vet straugeTS 
to God. While I can command ray pen, may it 
foe employee! in communicating' something useful 
to those who lie near ray heart. 1 had thought 
my writing was finished, but 1 was mistaken My 
heavenly Father has been pleased to moderate my 
affliction, so that for the last few days, I have 
Veen again able to read a little, and now, my 
•iirst atte&ipt to write, except a few lines. to Ed- 
ffcund, 1 devote to you. But what shall i say ? 
In my last sore affliction, my mind was comforted 
with the prospect of my near approach to glory, 
but I am still kept back. The will of the Lord 
be done. May you my son be favoured with the 
presence of the Lord in your journey, and all 
through life. O live rear to God by prayer, be 
circumspect in all your actions, keep a clear con- 
science, not a sleepy one, not a deceived one > 
but an active one Live by the day, live on 
Christ wholly, be careful that the performance 
of all your duties lead yon to a retiaaoe on him. 
i> r sure not to rest, in any duty. Work a. though 
you expected heaven by your performance?, but 
put no reliance v\\ then). Take care of that 
wicked heart of yonrs, or it will deceive you. 
Bring jill your duties, all your feelings to the 
touchstone, the word of God. prize that I 
of books, pray over it, believe it, n it as the. 

T v<») word of Knvd spofcfen u 



£05 MEMOIRS OF ELDER BOT5FORP. 

were the only person concerned. Plead the 
promises, observe all ihe precepts, and regard the 
warnings. This will make you a Bible christian. 
This will wean your affections from the world ; 
this will enlarge your views of eternity, <rive you 
a true picture ef human nature, of yourself, of sin* 
of godliiess in fell its branches ; this will cause 
Tjeayenly mindedness, will show you God, Christ, 
the Holy Spirit, the emptiness of all the world 
call good and great ; it will feast your soul, make 
preaching, prayer, conversation sweet ; in short, 
the Bible will lead you through fire and through 
r, storms and tempest?, will lead you safely 
through all temptations, sorrows, afflictions, and 
fort you under all losses, crosses and disap- 
pointments, and make you to triumph in death, 
he Bible, that is, the grace of God 
revealed in the Bible, h^s supported sueh a vile, 
sinful creature as myself, on the very verge of 
eternity ! then, let the Bible, ihe Bible, be 
your best companion. Treasure up its con^ 
tents in vour heart, and live up to it ; then you 
will certainly meet God with comfort at last, and 
in the mean time it will direct all your steps, be 
a light to your feet, and a lamp to your path." 

How much of the faithful friend, the heavenly 
winded christian, the affectionate and faithful Pas- 
tor is to be seen in these Epistles. Happy would 
it be for Zion, if there were more of like spirit. 

TO DK. ROBE UTS. 

" Georgetown, Sept 10. 1818. 
" On the 7th inst. Mrs. S. died. 1 hope she 
departed in the faith I wrote a letter of condo- 
lence to Mr S. the day after her funeral, which 
he answered last evening He writes, * I have 
been engaged this day in looking over a journal t 
:ther some sc * >s that I kaew nothing of, 
! 



MEMOIRS OP ELD-El Mtf>, 

ere left in or.o of d^af 

Wife. In one of tbos she observes, that 

'she thought herself a goc -sed 

religion before she ever saw ace, bu1 

she Was actual!) flrsl awak sryourpr 

in £.' See, . vhat the 

I Lord is pleased to c; ility, 

nor shall we knmv till we come to ] 
Then it is probable some, of whom we la I great 
fcopes, will b^ nlissing ; while others, of whom 
we knew noihi'g, will own us before God as the 
instruments in his hand of bringing (hern to the 
knowledge of the truth. O that there may be 
many such." 

to mr. cooir. 

" Georgetown, JVbv. 8, ISIS. 
< : Dear Brother Cook. — I take it for granted, 
that you attended the Association. Unto j 
therefore, I look for some account of its proceed- 
ings. Ttie printed Minutes will not come out for 
some time, and I wish to bnc nething about 

it, and you are the only correspondent i can ex* 
pect to favor me in this particular. The Doctor 
(Furraan) will not have time, and Dr. Roberts 
Will not be so easy to read, not will he give me 
so much information as my brother Cook. Well 
now, sit down mv brother, and take an evening, 
.jfor I expect you can write by Candle I. . 
gratify the old man, as you often have heretofore. 
I suppose you saw Mr, Compere. Our little* 
Church cannot afford to support him, and assist 
nie also ; and although I cannot preach, I must 
eat a little, and wear some clothes, and die I can- 
not till my time comes. However, 1 have m 
ed the pulpit for s>cme lime again ; but alas ! my 
preaching is of but little account at best, and less 

now than ever. 

' iiy son is now at home with us ; l>e con: 



.::u3 .: o» eluer B0T&?q&&» 

quite ' peony ; I much fear bis complaint is fixed. 
The rest of as tolerable. Shall we see you this 
printer ? I need not lelj yon, I shall be glad to 
see you )ur company was always accepta- 

ble. We are experiencing such a drought as I 
never witnessed either here, or in England. In 
parts rain has been moderate, b^t here we 
are buret up, many wells dry, and the river too 
salt to use. These temporal evils we feel and 
lament ; but spiritual affairs may droop and every 
die, but alas ! who laments on the occasion r Few 
very few indeed, The body seems to take up 
our whole concern, while the poor soul is shame- 
fully neglected by most ; time squandered, eter- 
nity forgotten. Q, what dreadful work by and by I 
May you, my brother, may I be on the watch, that 
we may not be overtaken unawares. We all 
unfte in iove to you, your spouse, and your son. I 

1 remain your real friend, and unworthy brother 
In the Gospel.," 

TO DR. ROBERTS. 

" Georgetown, JVcv. 16, 1818. 
€C Dear Roberts, — Here comes a letter from 
your old friend. Surely I may assume the ap- 
pellation of old, as, since the first of the present 
month, I have been in my seventy-fourth year. 
As for friendship — I also claim the title of friend. 

2 love you, esteem you, respect you ; I lay epety 
xay heart to yon, I try to- amuse you, I pray for 
you, speak and think w T ell of you. Surely all 
these will constitute me a friend ; and you have 
given me unequivocal marks of your kindness to 
me, and although you have lately had such a nu- 
merous family, enough to eat a man out of house 
and home, yet I do not doubt you would be glad 
to see me ride up to your door, and ask, ' is Mr. 
O no, is Doctor Roberts ut kerne ?' We!l 3 . all tl: 

is friendship. 



MEMOIRS OP ELDEBL BOTSFORD. 209 

fC I am pleased to hear you had a pleasant As- 
sociation, If it is so pleasing to meet our bre- 
thren, with all enr infirmities about us, what 
must it be to meet them in that world, where all- 
imperfection will be done away. 

" I have been lately highly entertained by 
reading the life of Gowper, by Hayley. His let- 
ters are excellent ; they breathe the very spirit 
of vital religion. As for his Task, I am never tir- 
ed of reading it, I esteem it the best piece of 
blank verse 1 ever read ; at least, it suits me 
best. He was an excellent man indeed. But 
poor man, he suffered most astonishingly. How- 
ever, all his sufferings are now T at an end, and nov/ 
He is, no doubt, singing better songs than even his 
Task. Will you believe me, when I tell you, I 
have never read Homer ? but I am going to en- 
gage Cowper's Homer. I do not promise myself 
any great pleasure in perusing it. When I have 
read it, I will tell you my thoughts and feelings 
respecting it. 

ct What in life are our Baptist brethren about r 
Some quarreling, some turning Socinians ; what 
next shall we hear ? In the midst of ail this great 
work, which God is carrying on, the devil seems 
to be sowing the seeds of discord and mischief 
He seems to have a peculiar spite against us. 
We have always been set at nought by the world-, 
but this we may always expect ; it ought to unite 
us : instead of which, our great Dons are wvaug- 
ling worse than children. Our dear Saviour vviH 
not, I think, thank them for their unnecessary 
zeal. my dear brother, let you and I seel; 
peace. In my view, it is a dreadful thing to make; 
divisions among God's dear people. If the peace- 
makers are blessed ; peace-breakers arc a curse 
to the Church. 
u Well, but you cannot think how well Ihar* 
Ii8* 



£!# MEMOIRS OP EL2ER SOTsFGRB.- 

got, preaching twice a-day, m?d walking and riding 
ail about. This must be an enlivening before 
death. Respecting heahh, 1 am as well as any 
person of my years can expect to be, and the eye 
complaint mild. That it is so, 1 attribute, as a 
Hiean, the free use of laudanum. But ray poor 
son is in a bad way ; I fear his disorder is fixed'. 
However, he is in the hands of God, and we wi^ 
c!g what we .-caa for bii&." 

TO THE SAME.. 

« Georgetown, Dec. 29, 1818. 
<l We Baptists- are like the Arabians, against 
every man, and every man against tis ; yea, we 
exceed, we are against ourselves. Mr and Mrs. 
Theus ar& here ; when he returns, ymi will re- 
eeive this. I whh it may puzzle yon to read it, 
as much it it puzzles me to read your letters : I 
am writing as bad as I can fur that purpose. Sa 
you see I am, Baptist Like? rendering evil for evih 
and not good for eviL 

ci I have reason to be thankful that I can read 
with a degree of pleasure, especially by day-light-. 
As for writing, it is not so pleasant, as formerly. 
J have lost the turn I once had for writing, though 
I do amuse myself a little, i have written se- 
veral little pieces for my people, such as c Unity 
and Peace;' 'Questions and Answers; 7 and 
* Strange Things. 7 Bat as I am too lazy to copy 
"hem, it is probable yon may never see them ; 
indeed if you were to see them, they might not 
be of any service to you, I have not yet seen 
ihe minutes of the Association. 1 am sorry we 
have but one young man at education ; this is 
gloomy. O my brother, we surely are deficient 
SB asking the Lord io send forth laborers. Da 

rub off the rusk injd 



RiEiMOIRS OF ELDER BOTSFORD. 2'1'S 

heartily engage in more earnest prayer to Go$ 
for this thing* Do not say, c what am I ? ? yea 
are one; I am one ; that makes two. Do yon 
engage another, and I will try to engage another? 
then there will be four ; and if each cf them will 
engage two, there will be eight. Mind, I will 
try to- meet you at the throne of grace on Monday; 
11th Jan. for that purpose. Love to all, and 
from all ; and I remain, dear Roberts, your real 
friend." 

TO DR. FURMAK. 

" Georgetown, March 25, 1819. 
. H My dear brother, — 1 have just heard by my 
daughter Fort, of the departure of Mrs. Furman, 
The loss, you and your children have sustained, 
can be estimated only by those, who have beers 
favored with such an excellent character ; nor 
can her gain be known by any who are clothed 
with mortality. Eye hath not seen, ear hath not 
heard, neither can the heart of man conceive what 
God hath prepared for those who die in the Lord- 
They have done with sin, sorrow and pain, and 
have entered into the joy of their Lord, and are 
now mingling praises with the spirits of just men' 
made perfect, to their God and Saviour ; they 
have reached the happy shores of eternal bliss* 
where they wilt eternally behold the ineifable 
smiles of their dear Redeemer. 

u My dear brother, I feel for you, I sincerely 
sympathize with you, and I pray God this severe 
stroke may be fully sanctified to you and the dear 
children. They have lost a mother indeed ; the 
church a worthy, pious, member, and many citi- 
zens a sincere friend. Although I feel myself 
incompetent, on this trying occasion, to offer any 
advice to my afflicted brother, yet I cannot sup- 
press the sincere desire, that God may enable 
Srirn to submit to the trying affliction iu such ah 






212 MEMOIRS OF ELDETL E 

planner, as to produce a gocd effect in bii 

soul, his family, and the friends of Zion. — I an 
(bis time reading a piece entitled ; The afflicted 
Man's Companion,' written by the Rev. Jehu 

WiJlisou, late ol Dundee, ia the year 1741. I 
think it excellent. Mrs. B. unites with me in 
love and sympathy, to yourself and children." 

TO THE SAME, 

" Georgetown, April 9, 1S19. 
<; My dear brother, — I cannot express the sat- 
isfaction your kind favor of the 1st inst. afforded 
me, with respect to the exercises oi dear Mrs. 
Furrnan, in the latter stages cf her illness. They 
were highly consolatory to yourself, the family, 
vour friends, at a time when you and they 
.; in so much need cf consolation. Many s.. 
now in glory were not so highly favored. Suck 
exercises, 1 doubt not, are the best of preac 
to many. They manifest, in a high degree, the 
h and reality of the religion of Jesus. I feet 
myself considerably interested in the matter, in- 
asmuch as I was often drawn out in prayer to God 
for the manifestation of his gracious presence, to 
comfort and support her in her sickness, and to 
support you under the trial : hence, I consider 
what has taken place as an answer to my prayers, 
and I doubt not other friends can say the same. 

" what a good, gracious and merciful God is 
our God and Father ! May we fee! greater de- 
sires to devote our all to Him, who is daily doing 
^o much for us, who are so undeserving of the 
lease favor from his hand. What a blessing to be 
surrounded by real christian friends, when near 
eternity. This, to my apprehension, was my case 
in two instances particularly ; in one of which, I 
really thought I was actually dying. The few 
friends I have ia this place, have been, and- con- 



MEMOIRS OP ELDER BOTSFORD. 213 

iinue to bo, very kind in th^ir attention to m*. I 
have several times been much comforted by their 
reading and singing for me. 

M Last night I had another most painful fit of 
the chojic. In those violent attacks, ray mind is 
generally much confused, the pain is so great;, 
I can only say, c Lord grant me patience and re* 
signation.' The t vvo last fits were of many hours 
continuance ; I was in extreme torture. To-day 
I am better than usual, after such a violent attack, 
but a great soreness in. the stomach and intestines, 
remains — 

. " I live in daily expectation of my last change, 
and have reason to be thankful t h a t I am not- 
much assaulted by the great adversary of souls* 
Sometimes I am favored with comfortable views 
of my interest in the merits of the Saviour, but 
I have frequent dark seasons. My sweetest hours 
are in bed, where I am generally easy, a«d often 
sleepless for many hours. At such seasons, I look 
both backward and forward. If finally I shall be 
accepted, a greater wonder will not be in heaven; 
that is, so it appears to mc ; and perhaps it may 
appear so, at certain times, even to eminent saints. 
If I am not deceived, my whole and sole depen- 
dence for acceptance with God, rests on what 
Christ has done. Here is all my hope. 

44 O my brother, I feel for you, I pray for you 
and yours ; and remind my few praying friends to 
bear you on their minds at the throne of grace, 
and I am persuaded they do so. Mrs. B , my 
daughters, old Mrs C, and some other friends, 
unite with me in love to you and the family, and 
I remain, dear brother, yours in Jesus." 

TO THE SAME, 

" Georgetown, July 17, 1819. 
<* Dear Brother,— The day I wrote to you 1 



Uii ftf.MOIfcS OF ELDER £©TSF0Rl5c 

I was seized with a violent eholic, which was of 
Jong continuance, and was followed with fever 
that confined me to mv bed ever since, except 
sitting up in an easy chair a few minutes after 
several days. The Doctor and tny friends, tfs 
WeU as myself, gave me up to die; I was quite 
composed, and resigned to go, but again God has 
been pleased to len then my days. To-day, for 
the first time, I take the pen, though hardly able 
to guide it. Thus the Lord deals with me, his 
Undeserving creature. I wish to be submissive 
to his will. 

u f feel thankful for his mercies, especially for 
the farther light he is pleased to convey to my 
mind, and for that spirit of prayer which he con- 
descends to pour out on my soul. I do not men- 
tion this by way of boasting, but I trust from a 
spirit of humility and gratitude. I can truly say, 
there is not a man on earth, for whom, and his fa- 
mily,, my mind has been so deeply impressed in 
prayer for their temporal and eternal welfare, as 
you and yours. that they may be answered! 

u What the Lord's designs are in thus length- 
ening my days, we cannot tell ; sometimes I have 
thought he may be preparing a person for this 
place, and when prepared, will call me home. It 
may be an idle conjecture ; but it is my earnest 
prayer to God, that he will send a person whom 
he will honor in buiking up the almost extinct 
Church. 

" Mr. W.,-vrho has been very low, is now able 
to attend his school at the Island. My two young 
friends appear still zealous, and keep up their 
prayer meetings at the Island. I still request 
your prayers for me. Do, my brother, tell your 
€hiMren I seldom, if ever, neglect to pray for 



iOXRS OF ELDER BOTSFORD. 215 

tfiem.. every day, and 1 beg of them to pray for 
theojs'-Ives. 

" IVilJ yon give my christian love to each of 
mv friends among you. With sincere love, to you 
and the family, in which my children and Mrs B., 
unite, 1 remain, my dear brother, yours in the 
Gospel, 

EDMUND BOTSFORD." 

The above letter bears the latest date of any 
which 'has come into the hands of the compiler, 
and is probably one of the last which Mr. Botsfurd 
ever wrote. As his djiBg words have been -for- 
gotten, this epistle may be regarded as one of the 
latest surviving testimonials of this distinguished 
servant of Christ. We here behold him still 
deeply afflicted, yet desiring to be submissive to 
the will of God ; thankful for God's peculiar fa- 
vors, and also humble and child-like ; his heart 
greatly enlarged in prayer for his friends, and 
deeply concerned for the welfare of the people 
of his charge. In what more desirable frame 
Could he wait for his approaching change ? May 
we be found in the same posture, at the coming 
of the Bridegroom. 



CHAPTER XIII. 



Miscellaneous particulars— His death— Character hj 
Dr. Furman. 

In this chapter I design to throw together some 
miscellaneous particulars, intersperse a few re- 
marks, for the purpose of further illustrating the 
life and character of Mr. Botsford, and conclude 
with a general outline of his character from the 
pen of Dr. Furman, 



m 



MEMOIRS OP ELDER BOtSFOKt). 



After Mr. Bedford's settlement in South Car- 
olina, he w as connected with the Charleston Bap- 
tist Association, and was esteemed as one of its 
most pious, valuable and efficient members. He 
Was several : imes chosen Moderator of that res- 
pectable body, and several of its valuable circular 
letters were from his pen. Though he was oMen 
prevented, during the latter part of his life, by 
Ills severe and protracted afflictions, from meet- 
ing in council with his brethren, yet he took a 
lively interest in their transactions, corresponded 
with them on important subjects which were agi* 
tated at the annual meetings of the body, and en- 
ter.' (1 heartily into their benevolent plans for pro- 
moting the interests of the Redeemer's kingdom. 
His surviving co-temporaries aid fellow-laborers, 
delight to repeat his name, and dwell upon his 
character. 

For many years be was one of the most intimate 
and confidential friends of that eminently distin- 
"tinguished man of God,, Dr. Richard Furman. 
Theirs was the friendship of kindred hearts. It 
was like that of David and Jonathan. Dv. Fur- 
man, though somewhat younger than his friend, 
"was nevertheless his superior in learning, mental 
vigour, and practical wisdom. Of this Mr Hots- 
ford was fully conscious ; but instead of indulging 
a mean spirit of jealousy on this account, he cher* 
ished a respect for his friend proportioned to his 
Jistinguished merit, and regarded it a peculiar 
felicity, that he enjoyed the confidence and esteeni 
of one so eminently qualified to give instruction 
and counsel. Dr. Furman. however, did not as- 
sume the airs of a superior; he ever respected 
the judgment, and highly valued the esteem of Mr, 
Botsford. In their correspondence and personal 
interviews, they opened to each other their hearts 
fsitk preserved freedom ;, they delighted, w i fae- 



MEMOIRS OF ELDER BOfSrOR** 2H 

tber together or apart, to mingle their prayers, 
their j ay s , fheir tears and their counsels. Thrown 
together in times of peculiar interest, befog for 
many y- -ars intimately associated in their labors 
for Zion's good, and discovering in each other con- 
genial views, feelings and sympathies ; that affec- 
tion, which, at first, they hid for each other as 
christians, especially as christian ministers, and 
more especially as fellow-laborers in the same 
particular communion, at length ripened i ito a 
friendship more delicate and refined than is gen- 
erally attained amongst the saints on earth. In a 
letter to Mr Bats ford, Dr. Furman thus writes : 
" But if I should sav, that, amongst my numerous 
•correspondents, there is one whose correspond 
affords rac the greatest satisfaction, and that this 
correspondent is Mr. Botsford, [ should not err 
from the truth." In addressing the bereaved 
church in a funeral sermon on the occasion of his 
friend's death, Dv. Furman remarks : a I must, 
therefore, necessarily feel for jou in no common 
-degree on this mournful occasion', especially when, 
in your deceased Pastor, 1 have Inst my most 
particular friend en earth." Dr. Furman did not 
lavish his esteem and friendship on the undeserv- 
ing. To he recognized as the ma$l particular fi \ i 
of such a man, is no common privilege, no common 
praise 

Uut Mr. Botsford had many other intimate friend^ 
with whom he was united by the strongest lie- of 
christian affection. By nature he was formed for 
friendship, bv grace for pun.' and exalted chris- 
tian friendship. This is a tribute due to his .me- 
mory, or rather to the <*race of God which is ; 
thus to beautify and exalt our fallen nature. In- 
stances of such pure and generous friendship 
Mr. Botsford was c.ipable of feeli i 
to reconcile us toour species, and Gil us with l 
19 






J618 MEMOIRS OF ELDKR BOTSFORD. 

sant aiid adoring thoughts of that Being, who has 
endowed us with natures capable, even in this 
sinful state, of a pure and holy fellowship, u like 
to that above." 

Though Mr. Botsford's excruciating complaint 
was seated principally in one of his eyes, he re- 
garded it as a great mercy, that his eye-sight was 
nevertheless so strong as to allow him to spend 
considerable time in reading and writing. Even 
when confined to his bed, durn g the intervals of 
liis severe paroxysms, he was often able to read ; 
Ci and it is astonishing," says a friend of his, 4 * how 
much he read." During the spring and summer 
previous to his death, he went through all the cri- 
tical notes and practical observations of Scott's 
Commentary, and traced out many of the referen- 
ces ; besides reading many other works. About 
this time, there was published a new life of Cow- 
per, in connexion with his entire works and cor- 
respondence : these interesting volumes Mr. 
Botsford perused again and again ; and he prized 
them the more highly, as he had some knowledge 
of many characters that were referred to. 

" The Task," says Mr. Botsford, "is my fa- 
vorite ; I have read it perhaps forty times, and it 
is still new to me. The Task and old Bunyara 
sre, wiih me, next to the Bible." 

Mr. Botsford was in the habit of making notes 
t)f his own in the books which he read, especially 
if he differed in sentiment from the authors. The 
compiler has in his possession many volumes which 
contain these traces of Mr. Botsford's. pen. To 
this subject he pleasantly alludes in a letter to 
Jir. Cook : " As for some time past I could not 
converse with the living, I have been conversant 
with the dead. I am not afraid of spirits, and 
therefore I ■freouentlv make bold to contradict 



MEMOIUS OF EtDER BOTSFORD. 219 

Some of their sentiments in the very face of their 
writings, at least at the foot of the pa^e" 

Mr. Botsford frequently used notes in preach- 
ing, sometimes pretty copious ones. But he *vas 
not a reader of sermons Referring to some of 
his young brethren who were in the habit of read- 
ing their discourses, he thus writes : 4W ft surely 
never *vas the design of our Master, that his ser- 
vants should read the Gospel, when he said, fc g3 
preach.' Do you say Dr Stillman writes all his 
sermons ? But Dr. Stillman does not read his 
sermons. I mean not to object against writing, 
but reading. I hope you will use your influence 
to persuade our young gentlemen to lay aside 
their crutches by degrees. " At a certain time, 
however, it appears that Mr. Botsford himself 
depended too much npon his crutches, and there- 
by subjected himself to some little disappoint- 
ment and mortification. He had prepared him- 
self c handsomely' as he thought for an education 
sermon. When the day arrived the weather was 
rainy ; the man, whose business it was to raise 
the tunes, did not come, and at this he was a little 
damped. When in the pulpit he found that he 
had left his spectacles at home ; he sent his sou 
for them, and in the mean time, commenced by 
prayer. When his son returned, he found that 
he had brought the wrong spectacles. Me was 
now in a sad dilemma : however, he made out to 
read his text, (Gal. vi. 10.) hobbled along as well 
as he could, sweating profusely, and his heart ia 
dreadful palpitation. He was glad when he was 
done, and wound up by saying what he thought 
was the best thing he said that day, " I am sorry, 
truly sorry, so good an institution has not a better 
advocate." cc Is it not a shame," he adds, " an old! 
soldier should be so foiled ! What a poor, worth- 
less, proud j ignorant wretoli ami." 



,220 MEMOIRS OF ELDER SOTSFOftlfe 

Mr. Botsford was a truly evangelical preacu* 
cr. He was neither an antinornian, nor a legal- 
ist ; neither an Armenian, nor a high-toned Cal- 
vinist. He imagined that the truth was to be 
found somewhere between these two extremes. 
Though a firm believer hi predestination, yet he 
put such a construction upon the doctrine as to 
leave all men in a state cf strict accountability t 
In his preaching, doctrine and duty, precept ami 
privilege, were well proportioned, and happily 
blended. On this subject he thus writes to Mr. 
Ingleshy ci For my own part, I am what is call- 
ed a stiff predestinarian, as I think the Bible is 
full of it, but in such a manner as leaves every 
person inexcusable, who neglects the great sal- 
vation, and calls sinners, in general, to come to 
Christ, and promises relief to those who come. 
True, I also believe that all who come to Christ 
are drawn by the Father, and given by Him to the 
Son, who has redeemed them by the price of his 
blood, and who will receive them, grant them 
every grace, uphold them under all their trials, 
sanctify them by his Spirit, and prepare them for 
glory. - 

" When I preach, I do not preach to sinners as- 
elect or non-eleet, but to them as sinners ; and 
as such I invite them, even the vilest to the mar- 
riage feast, and assure them no qualification is 
necessary to introduce them to the notice of 
Christ, if they feel themselves sinners. I point 
out a Saviour suitable for lost, wretched, vile 
sinners. This I esteem gospel, as far as it goes. 
Then when they come to Christ, I point out their 
privileges as the children of God ; I am not afraid 
that a sense of their privileges will lead them 
from, but more and more closely to Christy and 
farther from sin." 

Salvation by grace, <ts the reader must have 



MEMOIRS OF ELDER BOTSFOtlD. 22* 

noticed in the preceding letters, was his darling 
theme. "I have no plea," says he, " no hope, 
bo expectation, but solely on this ground. I know 
of no other way of salvation. Proud, stubborn 
nature would fain put in something, at least good 
intentions, some good done to my fellow creatures- 
No, I renounce all: I arn confident if I am recei- 
ved into favour, it must be wholly, altogether 
through the blood and righteousness of the Son of 
God. Here I rest ; here I commit my soul. 
There now is the religion of old Botsford. Elected 
of God, called by his grace, justified by the righ- 
teousness of Christ, sanctified, upheld, and the 
work carried on and finished by the Holy Spirit. 
This is the doctrine I have been taught, this I 
have preached, by this 1 have lived, and in this I 
t am willing to die." 

Mr. Botsford could say, with the Psalmist, 
cc Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage 
forever : for they are the rejoicing of my heart. 
My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto 
thy judgments at all times*" The Bible was his 
choicest treasure, his constant companion. As the 
reader has already observed, he constantly re- 
commended it to the notice of his friends \ the 
sentiment of the Poet dwelt on his lips, 

" Not all the books on earth besitta, 
Such heavenly wonders tell." 

tVom this pure fountain did he draw water for 
the refreshing of his own soul, an J the flock com- 
mitted to his charge. He had no respect for those 
systems of doctrine, which were not founded on 
the Bible : " To the Law an 1 U the testimony j M 
this was his motto. He aimed at no higher distinc- 
tion lhan to be. known as a plain Bible christian, 
;i plain Bible minister. What was it but his in- 
timate and experimental acnuainUnco with this 



222 MEMOIRS OP ELDER BOTSPORD.' 

blessed volume, which gave to his conversation, 
preaching and writing such a sweet and heavenly 
unction? — He valued those, who valued their Bi- 
bles. u Nothing," sajs he, " pleases me more in 
an inquirer, than to see him fond of the Bible. 
Knowledge obtained from God's word, is of 
sterling worth." — In 1816, he thus writes to Dr. 
Furman, " my brother, I never thought the 
Bible so precious as lately. c Here my best 
comfort lies.' " — Happy, indeed, would it be, if 
all the ministers of Christ were to study their 
Bibles more, and human systems less. 

Mr. Botsford was a man of a truly catholic 
spirit* He afforded a pleasing illustration of the 
truth of the sentiment, that a person may be- 
firmly attached to the peculiar views of his own 
denomination, and yet entertain a sincere and af- 
fectionate regard for christians of every name, 
Tie was a Baptist, a conscientious, thorough Bap- 
tist ; he talked, and preached, and wrote in de- 
fence of the peculiar sentiments of Baptists ; he 
had no fellowship for what he regarded erroneous 
in the faith and practice of other denominations, 
yet he w r as a lover of all good men. He couhl 
make a judicious and charitable distinction be- 
tween what he deemed to be error, and the indi- 
viduals who might embrace it. To a Presbyte- 
rian minister he writes as follows : " I have al- 
ways esteemed it a great part of my happiness 
to cultivate acquaintance with good men, more 
especially with those engaged in the ministry. I 
have often lamented the shyness which too much 
subsist among the followers of the Lamb. True, 
the time has not yet arrived for the watchmen to 
see eye to eye in ail things ; but where there is 
an agreement of sentiment in the great leading 
truths of the Gospel, union ought to be cultivated 
%y every friendly and cbristian-like attention 



MEMOIRS OF ELDER B0T3F0RB. 22$ 

No harm can possibly arise from such conduct, 
but much good may. When two strangers meef, 
who have tasted of the food of Canaan, and con- 
versed of the sweetness thereof, they not only 
understand one another, but sensibly feel a love 
for each other, though one came from the east ami 
the other from the west. Not entering on thfj 
minutiae of religion, the regard thus produced 
will ever continue. Whereas, had the strangers 
conversed concerning Presbyterianism, Kpiscopa- 
cy, Independency, &c. such an aversion to each 
other might have been produced, that each would 
have considered the other a bigot to his profes- 
sion, and both have remained ignorant of eac!| 
others character. Dr. Flinn is a Presbyterian, 
Botsforcl is a Baptist ; but Dr. Flinn and Bots- 
ford both believe in the great leading truths of 
Revelation ; both are engaged in the great, so- 
lemn work of preaching Christ as the way and the 
truth and the life ; both hope to be instrumental 
in bringing souls to Christ, and with them to meet 
in glory where all will be in the full enjoyment 
of love to God and each other to all eternity. 
Then why fall out by the way ? No ; rather let 
us improve our acquaintance, on our journey, 
that Satan may not get an advantage of us, but 
God be glorified. 

u See how free I make with you. I hope, 
however, you will excuse the freedom of an old 
man, a plain old Englishman, who has a real re- 
gard for all whom he considers as children of God. 
With sentiments of christian regard, and with sin- 
cere wishes for your success in winning souls to 
Christ, and prayers for much of the presence of 
God in ycur own soul, I am, Rev. and dear Sir, 
your unworthy brother in Gospel bonds. "* 

•The above extracts are made from the copy of a letter to 
Dr. Fiinn of Charleston, which was found amongst Mr. 
Bufeford's papers. 



221 MEMOIRS OF ELDER BOTSFORfc, 

Though Mr. Botsford sometimes suffered muci; 
indirect opposition from persons of other denomi- 
nations, yet it is believed that he was generally 
enabled to follow the directions, which he gave to 
another brother in the ministry, who was in simi- 
lar circumstances, u Your present situation," 
writes Mr. Botsford, "calls for much watchful- 
ness over your own heart, your dear people, and 
your opposers. I hope the good Lord will give 
you strength, pruldence, and fortitude equal to 
your day. Remember, my dear brother, God's 
children cannot see alike in all things ; we have 
our prejudices and prepossessions, which blind ou? 
jminds ; we are all imperfect in the present state. 
Your good sense and regard to the cause of Christ, 
will prevent you from ever using any language? 
that tends to irritate such as may differ from us 

in sentiment. Live, therefore, in love, as 

much as can be, with the other society. Let it 
be your ambition to exceed in meekness, humility, 
and every christian grace, that they may be won 
by your inoffensive, gentle and candid conduct, to 
love and reverence you." 

Mr. Botsford was very seldom invited into the 
pulpits of his brethren of other denominations , 
*'yet," says he, u I have asked every Presbyte- 
rian and Independent minister that ever came in 
my way." ■ And if it be true, as is some- 
times said, that the visions of sleep borrow their 
complexion from the operations of our minds in our 
wakeful hours, I would observe in a pleasant mood, 
-that Mr. Botsford must have been a man of a ca- 
tholic spirit, inasmuch as he dreamed, at a certain 
time, of walking arm in arm with Mr. Wesley, 
and of being much delighted in his company.* 

We felt bound to touch upon this point; in or- 

* See page 158. 



MEMOIRS OP ELDER. BOTSFORD". 2&ll 

tier to Jo justice to the character of a distinguished 
servant of God ; and in doing so, we hope that we 
have given offence to no christian brother of any 
denomination. We would only add, that, by the 
truly liberal and christian conduct of Mr. Botslord r 
the most ph>us and enlightened ot our denomina- 
tion are furnished with a practical vindication a~ 
gair.st the uncharitable remarks of the uninformed 
and bigoted of other sects ; whilst those of our 
own order, whose minds are so' much fettered by 
ignorance and bigotry, as to find but little in other 
denominations to commend and iove, may consider 
themselves severely reproved by the example of 
one, probably as wise, as pious, as prudent, and 
as firmly attached to the cause of truth, as them- 
selves. 

Mr. Botsford was the negro's friend. Besides 
composing a Tract for persons of color, as we have 
already seen, he took much pains to instruct them 
from the pulpit, in discourses suited to their ca* 
pacity, and also in private conversation. u I was 
once told," said he, " you are a pretty good ne- 
gro preacher; I suppose the meaning was, preach- 
er to negroes. Really, were my labors blessed 
to them, I should feel thankful, and could be well 
content to preach wholly to them ; for believe me, 
I daily perceive so much of my deficiency in lan- 
guage, &c. that I am quite out with myself, and 
often wonder that any Fespectable characters 
should attend my preaching." Again he writes : 
u If I was a young man, and possessed of only as 
much zeal as I once possessed, I should be very 
fond to go preaching and talking from one planta- 
tion to another, and be wholly a preacher to ne- 
groes I can suit my talk to them, and enter in- 
to their views of things, and doubt not, with the 
blessing of God, I should be of considerable sei^ 
vice." 



M& MEMOIRS 07 ELDER BOTSFORD. 

We naturally possessed an independent spi 
u I do not remember," says he, ^ ever to have 
considered myself poor, even when I had not a 
half-penny in the world. I somehow thought my- 
self a gentleman born, and whether I had money 
or not, I bad much the same feeling ; yet I do not 
remember that I ever despised any body, except 
for base actions." At another time Mr Botsford 
speaks of being in debt, much deserted, and ia 
great depression of spirits, and says : s< I have 
lost that self-sufficiency which used to carry me 
through many trials, and now feel my littleness to 
such a degree, that perhaps I err on the side of 
diffidence." 

Although Mr. Botsford was often straightened 
in hrs pecuniary affairs, yet he never indulged ia 
sinful repining and distrust. "I do not remem- 
ber," says he, u that I ever was the least uneasy 
in my life respecting my poverty. I never knew 
what it was to be afraid of coming to want, and I 
do not remember ever being but one whole day 
without food in my life: that was in Scotland. 
Distrusting Providence for food and raiment, is a 
sin I have not to accouut for, either when single 
or married." 

He was never corrupted by the love of money- 
that accursed " root of all evil." — u He had less 
of covetousness," says a friend who knew him 
well, 4; ia his disposition, than almost any man I 
have known." He was often generous beyond 
bis means. When he has had but a penny in the 
world, he would give a beggar half. He could ne- 
ver see a person in distress, without relieving biro 
if in his power ; indeed, it afforded him as much 
pleasure to administer to the wants of a needy ob- 
ject, especially to a poor old man, as to receive 
kindness himself. Nay more, he seldom, if ever, 
shed tears when, receiving benefactions frona 



MEMOIRS OF ELDER BOTSFORD. 22Y 

others; but he frequently did so, when giving to 
the poor. Be :evolence and kindness were prom* 
inent traits in the character of Mr. Botsford. 

He was an enemy to every thing like imperti- 
nent curiosity. " If he could have found out any 
thing," says a friend, <fc relating even lo one inim- 
ical to him, by questioning a youth, a servant, or 
any one, or by glancing at a letter which might be 
open where he was, it would not even have oc- 
curred to him to resort to such means " u Guard," 
says Mr Botsford, u against inquiring into family 
secrets." 

Mr Botsford was a lover of modesty ; and he 
could distinguish between real and affected moj 
desty. Speaking of Mr Roberts, then a young 
man, he says ; c * It is seldom that so much merit 
and modesty are seen combined as in Mr. Rob- 
erts. 1 never was more partial to a young man 
than to him. I have known some bashful young 
men, who could not say boo to a goose, who were 
not possessed of one grain of real modesty. Not 
so Mr. Roberts." 

As Mr. Botsford had suffered many afflictions 
himself, he oflea thought of the afflictions of oth- 
ers As one pleasing evidence of this, he was in 
the habit, for many years, whilst residing in 
Georgetown, (as the compiler ascertained from 
his manuscripts) of keeping an account of all the 
deaths that occurred, and also a list of the names 
of all the widows in the town. He remember* 
widow, and recorded her name. This may be 
thought a trifling incident ; but it is often by ap- 
parently unimportant circumstances in the lives of 
men, that many amiable and lovely traits of char- 
acter are brought to view. Surely that God, 
who is the Judge of the widow, did not despise 
his servant for recording, in his sacret chronicle, 
the widow's name : especially as he perceived) 



228 MEMOIRS OF ELDEa BOTSF0RL*. 

that the heart, which dictated this humble ae^ 
could deei ly (ee) the Widow's woes. 

He desired all his brethren, especially minis- 
ters of the Gospel, to stand in their lot. At the 
opening of the Charleston Association at a certain 
time, none were prepared to preach. One and 
another were called upon, u # but they all, with one 
consent, began to make excuse." At length Mr. 
Bouford ascended the pulpit. u What," said he, 
14 did you come here for my brethren ?" He said 
rriany things for the purpose of reproving and 
shaming his brethren for their backwardness, and 
then added wC shame on old Bolsjord too." 

He had the happy talent of reminding his breth- 
ren oi their faults, in a way the least calculated to 
give offence To his brother Johnson he miles ; 
" When I think cr hear of your doing wrong. I 
Will scold you ; and if you do not like it, I will 
give yon up a while, and let out at you again. 
You shall hear of your faults from me as long as I 
Jive." Yet it is presumed, that neither this bro- 
ther, nor any other, with whom he dealt thus 
faithfully, respected -and lov^d him the less. The 
rod of reproof budded and blossomed in his band, 
and the person, over whom it was held, could but 
invite, rather than repel the blow. He would be 
compelled to say, u let him smite me, it shall be 
a kindness ; and let him reprove me, it shall he 
an excellent oil which shall not break my head; 
for yet my prayer also shall be in his calamity." 

But Mr. Botsford not only knew how to give 
reproof, but he knew how to receive it from oth- 
ers. To a christian brother he says, " do, my 
brother, pray for me, and do not spare me in any 
point, where you think a hint will be of service. 
I promise you I will receive it kindly, and try to 
benefit by it." At another time, referring to a re- 
.proof which he had received from the same bro- 



M&MQ1&S OF ELDER BOtSFOItD. &H 

flier for unbecoming lightness of conduct, he 
writes ; wv Is it not strange a person should live fifty 
years in the world, and not see that in himself which 
is disagreeable ? Well, but is it not a mercy that 
lie is ever brought to see it ? I forget if ever 1 re- 
turned you thanks for the hint ; if riot, I do now 
most sincerely ; and at the same time beg you 
will, my brother, for my sake, but more es- 
pecially for the sake of the cause of God, contin- 
ue to use freedom with me«?'-*~More than twen- 
ty years afterwards, and not two years before his 
death, in writing to this friend, he agate refers to 
the reproof above alluded to. U I vveil remember 
(though it was many years since) an admonition of 
yours respecting the lightness of my genera! con- 
duct. There is a great difference between live- 
liness and levity. Levity is one among the many 
of my, shaii I call them, constitutional sins. Ma- 
ny a heartache has it occasioned, but alas! hard 
to suppress- Not now indeed ; now I am bowed 
down with age and sickness ; but what have I 
felt in this affliction ! The sins of my youth and 
middle age have been set in terrible array against 
me, and many times I seemed forsaken of God, but 
in tender mercy he hath also visited my poor soul ; 
I trust the views 1 have bad, baye driven me, not 
fiom, but to my beloved Saviour. — Many a time, 
your brotherly admonition has met me full in the 
face: Yes, my brother, to this day I feel thankful 
to you, and to God for it." 

In conversation Mr Botsibrd was sprightly, 
animated and instructive ; he had, at his com- 
mand, a rich fund oi' entertaining anecdote, and 
his manner of narrating events was quite happy. 
He was not a monkish, melancholy christian. 
Though his sufferings were so intense, though for 
many years he communed with death, and was 
tilled with constant and solemn thoughts of the 



2{50 MEMOIRS OF LLiiER BQTSFORl*. ■ 

eternal world ; yet he was nevertheless cheerful 
and happy. This was owing in part, no doubt, to 
liis natural temperament ; but more -to that sup- 
port which he derived from intimate communion 
with God, and from the cheering truths and prom- 
ises of the Gospel. Say not, my young readers* 
that religion is another came for gloom and me* 
iancholy. The experience of the afflicted saint, 
whose virtues we are recording, confirms the 
sentiment of the Poet. 

" The hill of Zion yields, 

A thousand sacred sweets ; 
Before we reach the heavenly fields^ 

Or walk the golden streets." 

How highly should we prize that religion, whicft 
possesses energy sufficient to cheer and sustain 
the sou! in the midst of such intense and lingering 
sufferings, as fell to the lot of Mj\ Boisford ! 

Yet he had some terrible conflicts with the 
powers of darkness, even in his last days. His 
intimate friend, Dr. Furman, in the funeral ser* 
mon already alluded io> thus refers to this circura- 
Manee. " He had aisa severe spiritual conflicts, 
with which, probably, some of his correspondents, 
to whom he opened his heart with the unreserved 
candor, confidence and delicacy of friendship, were 
better acquainted than yourselves. In one of 
ihese conflicts, he was so violently assailed by 
temptation to doubt pf his interest in the favour 
of God, that he was almost driven to despair ; and 
at the very time too, when bodily affliction lay 
heavily upon him. The evidences of his gracious 
Mate, were quite obscured ; the errors and imper- 
fections of his life, since he had become a chris- 
tian professor, and minister of the gospel, distress 
sed hiai ; he was filled with self loathirrg^and re- 
proach ; and could not exercise faith in the Re- 



MEMOIRS OP ELDER BOTSF^D. £al 

$eemer as one interested in him. Bat finally, h© 
obtained complete deliverance, and triumphant 
joy, by going deeply humbled, as a sinner, to the 
all gracious Saviour ; making the humbling con~ 
fesMon of his sins and errors, and casting his im- 
ftVortal Soul, with all its important concerns fof 
time and eternity, and with its deep sense of 
guilt, pollution and unworthiness, on the infinite 
merit, and free grace of the Redeemer, as they 
afford hope of salvation to the most vile and 
wretched who apply to hirii for salvation. His 
prospects then became bright. His recollection 
of former experiences and mercies was clear and 
pleasant. He was then willing to leave the world* 
and anticipated with delight future and eternal 
joys at the right hand of God, To all trials and 
sufferings he felt reconciled, and could, as he ob- 
served, sing with the christian Poet, * sweet 
affliction." But Mr. Botsford shall speak for 
himself. He thus writes to Mr. Inglesby:— " It 
is true my mind has been much enlightened in this 
affliction. But I must also add, I never have had 
sorer conflicts. Temptations strong, unbelief pre- 
Talent : I have been beset behind and before* 
The sins of early youth, of manhood, and of old 
age, all assaulting me in dreadful array ; despair, 
or something very much bordering upon it ; God 
hiding his face; all dark and doleful ideas ; death 
in my apprehension just at the door ; a vast, 
boundless eternity of misery presented to my 
view— Imagine if you can, ray feelings. O, I cant 
describe them ! And who, under God, do you 
think was the instrument of my deliverance? One 
who has been in heaven above a hundred years- 
John Bunyan ; yes, the old pilgrim. Surely by 
him, God led me through all my darkness into his 
marvellous light. And how sweet has that 
fight been la my soul ! May you never be so left, 



*J3 



MEMOIRS OP ELDER BOTSFORD- 



if it is the will of God. Now I have got through 
I have learned a useful lesson. It is good for me 
that I have been afflicted, I may truly say* 
Doubting Castle, my brother, is a horrible place 
to be confined in. I am confident no one, who has 
not been there, can have any proper conception^ 
of it. Well may Watts say, 

< Through dismal deeps and dangerous snares, 
We make our way to God.' 

But no matter, if at last we arrive safe- Then 
all will be well. The bitter coming before the 
sweet, makes the sweet the sweeter. " 

After what we have seen of Mr. Botsford, need 
it be added that he was a man of deep and ardent 
piety ? Being severely chastened, he yielded 
mora abundantly the peaceable fruits of right* 
eousness. In him was exemplified the truth, that 
* c tribulation worketh patience ; aud patience ex- 
perience ; and experience hope." Though sur- 
rounded with deep waters, they did not overflow 
him ; the higher they prevailed, the higher was 
he lifted, like Noah's ark, above the dangerous 
impediments of earth, and the farther was he car- 
ried onward towards heaven. In this high eleva- 
tion, was it not natural that he should have felt 
the strong attractions of the celestial world, and 
meditated much on the heavenly glory ? Heaven 
was to him a desired abode, not simply because 
there all tears are w-iped from every eye, but be* 
cause sin, the cause of tears, is not there; because 
there he should behold in righteousness, the face 
of his Redeemer, and awake with his perfect 
likeness. 

Mr Botsford was a man, and of course was not 
without his imperfections. His constitutional lev 
ity has been referred to : — be was also naturally 
irritable and fiery ; this he, knew and lamented* 



MEMOIRS OP ELDER E07SF0RI>> 233 

But by grace divine he was enabled, at length, to 
* rule his spirit,' and thus he achieved a greater 
victory ( than he that taketh a city.' 

In his last days he was quite devotional, and re- 
markably blessed with a spirit of prayer. " H© 
used to pass many sleepless nights," says Mr, 
Marvin, u and many solitary days, when he could 
neither read nor write. On such occasions,, ho 
would spend whole hours in prayer for his friends, 
presenting their cases separately and minutely to 
The throne of grace. He took great pleasure in 
this, and found his spirits refreshed thereby. 
Even his sleeping thoughts were devotional. I 
remember on one occasion, about the summer o£ 
1817, he was passing a short time at my house* 
In one of those nights, I was awaked by his voice, 
and supposing him to be in distress, I hastened up 
stairs, and as I opened the door, I heard him dis- 
tinctly repeat, 

■ Our journey is a thorny maze, 
But we march upward still,' 

lie was repeating the 53d Hymn, second book, 
Watts ; a hymn he was very fond of, and which, 
he thought contained more of christian experience 
than any other. About this period," adds Mr. 
Marvin, " I procured a copy of DobelPs Hymns. 
In locking over it, he happened to light on the last 
one in the book, by Erskine, entitled, ' Conten- 
tion of Heaven.' He remembered to have seen 
it in manuscript when a boy, living with Mrs. 
Barnes, but never had seen it before in print. He 
was deeply affected, and while he ran with delight 
over it, tlje tears coursed rapidly down his fur- 
rowed cheeks." 

But I have almost forgotten to say that tho 
good man died. Yes ; he died. All things were 
20* 



234 MEMOIRS OF ELDER BOT6FORD. 

his, and death was a most desirable part of Ins 
inheritance. After having literally suffered the 
will of God, being worn down by violent and long 
continued sufferings, he entered into his rest on 
the 25th of December, 1819, in the 75th year of 
his age* His dying expressions are forgotten, ex- 
cept by Him who treasures up the words, as well 
as the tears of his people ; but there is a distinct 
impression remaining upon the minds of his survi- 
ving relatives and friends, that "the chamber, 
where this good man met his fate, was privileged 
above the common walks of life. 57 There they 
saw an exhibition of calm patience, holy resigna- 
tion, hope unwavering, and triumphant faith. 
There they experienced, in its full sense, what it 
was to see a christian die. "Farewell thou man 
of God." Thou hast realized the dream of thy 
fchildhood, ' thou hast conquered all thine enemies* 
and Christ has come down with his chariot and 
conducted you to heaven.' O Botsford, (to speak 
as thou once didst on eaith) "where art thou 
now ? Thou hast ascended the ladder, and arrived 
$Me at the top ; — all the evil days of thy pilgrim- 
age are at an end ;— thou seest all thy troubles 
worked good for thee and not evil ; — thou art off- 
ering praises to llim > who forgave all thy sms, 
who healed all thy backslidings, and who delivered 
thee from all thine enemies ;— now thou art sola- 
ting thyself with" many of "those lambs and sheep, 
which) in conformity with the command of thy Sa- 
viour, you fed with the milk and the strong meat 
of the gospel ; — and art realizing those truths of 
God which you believed, and which you endea- 
vored to impress on the minds of your fellow-sin- 
ners here below." May we cherish thy memory* 
imitate thy virtues, and follow thee to that " city 
which hath foundations, whose builder aad maker 
h God." 



MEMOIRS OF ELDER feOTSFORD. 233 

It might not be improper here to observe, that 
during his last illness, Mr. Botsford enjoyed the 
attention of kind, sympathising friends, especially 
that of his youngest daughter, who ministered to 
his wants with constant and tender assiduity, and 
by her continued and wearisome efforts to smooth 
the passage of a revered parent to the tomb, laid 
the foundation of a fatal consumption, which soon 
destroyed the vigor of her healthful frame, and 
within about twelve months from the death of her 
father, brought her to a premature grave. She 
died in hope. 

A funeral sermon was preached at the inter- 
ment of Mr. Botsford, by Elder Compere, who 
happened to be in Georgetown at the time of his 
friend's death. Afterwards, another funeral dis- 
course was delivered to the bereaved church and 
congregation by Dr. Furman, which was subse- 
quently published. It was founded on Rev. ii. 10, 
and entitled " The Crown of Life promised to the 
truly Faithful." It is a discourse replete with 
solid and useful instruction. 

In compliance with Mr. Botsford's request a 
short time before his death, the following affec* 
ting and appropriate hymn was sung at his fu- 
neral. 

(i Ah ! lovely appearance of death ! 

What sight upon earth is so fair? 
Not all the gay pageants that breathe. 

Can with a dead body compare. 
Witn solemn delight 1 survey 

'I he corpse, when the spirit is fled; 
In love with the beautiful clay, 

And longing to lie in its stead. 

How blest is our brother, bereft 
Of all that could burden his mind* 



236 MEMOIRS OP ELDER BOTSFORCv 

How easy the soul that hath left 
This wearisome body behind I 

Of evil incapable thou, 

Whose relics with envy I see % 

No longer in misery now, 
No longer a sinner like me. 

This earth is afflicted no more 

With sickness, or shaken with pain ; 
The war in the members is o'er, 

And never shall vex him again : 
No anger henceforward, or shame* 

Shall redden this innocent clay; 
Extinct is the animal flame, 

And passion is Vanished away. 

This languishing head is at rest, 

Its thinking and aching are o'er; 
This quiet immoveable breast 

Is heaved by affliction no more* 
This heart is no longer the seat 

Of trouble and torturing pain; 
It ceases to flutter and beat, 

It never shall flutter again. 

The lids he so seldom could close, 

By sorrow forbidden to sleep, 
Sealed up in eternal repose, 

Have strangely forgotten to weep; 
The fountain can yield no supplies, 

These hollows from water are free * 
The tears are all wiped from his eyes, 

And evil they never shall see. 

To mourn and to suffer is mine, 
While bound in a prison I breathe; 

And still for deliverance pine; 
And press to the issues of death:: 



&£&0ffcS OF ELDER BOTSFORD. 2Sft 

What now with my tears I bedew, 
.O might I this moment become ! 
My spirit created anew, 

My flesh be consigned to the tomb*' 

We conclude these Memoirs with (lie correct 
and faithful delineation of Mr. Botsford's charac- 
ter, as drawn by Dr. Furman in his funeral ser* 

mon. 

<c The Rev. Mr. Botsford was of a good per* 
sonal appearance, and of a vigorous constitution 
before it was broken by disease. With respect to 
talents, if not of the most splendid kind, they 
were yet highly respectable ; and he was a man 
of the most excellent spirit, candid, humble, 
friendly, affectionate and faithful — Who can 
charge him with a want of fidelity in his friend- 
ships, and relative connexions, or with a depar* 
ture from the rules and great principles e# moral 
rectitude, in his intercourse with man ? Where 
is the man who can accuse him of breaking his 
promise, of failing in his engagements, or of dis» 
regarding his word ? When was he seen acting a 
sycophantic part, dealing in ambiguous language 
to save appearances, or practising a time-serving 
policy ? On the contrary, you saw in him an Isra- 
elite, indeed, in whom was no guile : the servant 
of God, the friend of man. — In relative life, he was 
the affectionate husband, the tender parent, and 
humane master ; bestowing 1 religious attention 
on the state of his family, and feeling for their 
spiritual and eternal interests. In his family he en- 
joyed great satisfaction and comfort ; but he fre- 
quently drank deep of a bitter cup in the death of 
his wives and children ; having buried three amia- 
ble wives, and two most promising children, in the 
course of about eleven years, The last of these 



83$ M&M0IRS OP ELDER BGTSFORCJ. 

children was a son just growing up to manhood* 
He had then one son left ; but alas ! he lived ta 
see him also numbered with the dead, when ar- 
rived at the sam* stage of life in which the for< 
mer had died, and when his own exit was at hand* 
But in the death of this son he was greatly com- 
forted, as the youth had made a solemn profession 
of religion, and appeared to be truly pious : and 
it is no small satisfaction to know, that his surviv- 
ing children give evidence, that they have been 
brought up, u in the nurture and admonition of the 
Lord." 

" As a preacher our excellent friend was di^ 
tingushed by warm affectionate addresses to the 
hearts and consciences of his hearers, which fre- 
quently had great corresponding effect ; produ- 
cing repentance toward God* and faith toward our 
Lord Jesus Christ : and many now live in various 
parts of our country, to acknowledge him their 
father in the Gospel ; and to bless God that they 
ever heard his voice proclaiming God's eternal 
truth. He did not seek to produce the refine- 
ments which merely decorate a discourse, and 
please a curious ear ; to give a display of learn- 
ing ; to entertain his hearers with philsophical 
disquisitions, or with mere moral harangues : nor 
\va& he the bigot of a system, or a dealer in con- 
troversy,. On the doctrines of the Gospel in their 
simplicity and purity, he delighted to dwell. Je- 
sus Christ, and he as crucified for the salvation erf 
sinners, was his theme. He considered all men 
as sinners, and Christ as the Redeemer ; as the 
only way to the Father, and as the author of 
eternal life toall those who by an unfeigned faitb 
believe in him, and to no others.* He believed 
regeneration to be as essential to salvation, as is 

* Hearers of the Gospel are referred to* 



Memoirs of elder botsford. 239 

atonement for sin ; and that the genuine effects 
and evidences of it are, repentance, whereby we 
forsake sin, unfeigned faith in the Redeemer, su- 
preme love to God, cordial benevolence to men, 
and perseverance in a life of holy obedience to 
the Divine will. He was in a word, what has 
been called a moderate Calvinist ; yet his senti- 
ments were not formed by any human system, but 
by what he considered the true meaning of the 
word of God. He therefore, not only did not fail 
to declare the counsel of the Most High, but earn- 
estly called sinners to repentance, and reproved 
men for their sinful actions, considering them not 
as their misfortunes, but their crimes ; and this 
be did with a holy zeal for the honor of God To 
the aw T akened and penitent, he affectionately 
pointed out the Lamb of God, which taketh away 
the sin of the world, and published free grace 
and salvation in his name. Nor was he unmind- 
ful of the Saviour'* charge, " feed my sheep, feed 
my iambs," but administered to the children of 
Gud, ihe counsels, admonitions and consolations 
contained in the Gospel, with tender solicitude 
for their eternal welfare. 

M His language was plain and perspicuous, his 
manner unaffected, earnest and interesting, fre- 
quently pathetic. 

M The active life he entered upon immediately 
after he finished his preparatory studies, the ca-j 
lamities of war which soon came on, and his un- 
settled state lor so:ne time, prevented his making 
those improvements in learning which might other- 
wise have been expected ; yet his reading w a9 
considerable, especially in divinity and history. In 
testimony of their respect for him as a scholar and 
divine, the Faculty of Brown University, several 
years before his death, conferred on him the de- 
gree of Master in the Libera! Arts 



MO MEMOIRS OF EJLDER DOTSFOfiD, 

" But whatever his talents were, he consiJei 
ed them as a sacred trust, imposing obligations to 
be useful, not to be dispensed with ; he there- 
fore employed both his pen and his lips in dissem- 
inating divine truth, and that in a manner which 
demonstrated his concern for the salvation of im- 
mortal souls. His frequent preaching to children, 
and his publishing a dialogue for the rehgious in- 
struction of negroes, in a manner suited to the 
general capacity of that people, have proved, 
with strong evidence, his benevolence and zeal. 
The author of " Sambo and Toney," has been ad- 
mired while unknown, and the work itself has 
gone through several impressions, at the instance 
of benevolent, pious persons, who kiaew not tha 
writer. The Spiritual Voyage, which bears his 
name, is certainly a little work of great merit, 
calculated to do much good ; displaying ingenuity 
and spirit, christian experience, and evangelical 
sentiment. His discourse on Baptism has also 
been useful to many. 

"As a correspondent he excelled in opening his 
heart with all the freedom, confidence, delicacy 
and tenderness of the friend, in the style of con- 
versation ; and thus deeply interesting the hearts 
of those who enjoyed the happiness of his friend- 
ship. Nor was he punctilious in waiting for an- 
swers to his letters of friendship, when he knew 
his friends had their time engaged ia necessary 
and useful employments ; but would then fre- 
quently and fully open the stores of his benevo- 
lence and kindness for their use, while ihey were 
in his debt. 

" But he has terminated bis course in this state 
of trial — His labours and sufferings are at an end ; 
and we have just reason to believe, that, as faith- 
ful, HE HAS ©BTAIISE0 TUfi FA04WB* CROWtf," 



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